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I Think I May Have a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). What Should I Do?
A calm, clear guide for the next 5 minutes — and the days that follow. You are not alone.
Video coming soon. Watch this space for guidance from TBI Nation™.
First Things First
Take it seriously.
If you or someone else recently experienced a blow to the head, violent shaking, fall, vehicle collision, sports injury, or another event involving possible head trauma, take it seriously.
Not every brain injury is immediately obvious.
Some symptoms appear minutes, hours, or even days later.
Call 911 or Go to the Nearest Emergency Department Immediately If You Have:
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulty waking up
- Seizures
- Repeated vomiting
- Increasing confusion
- Slurred speech
- Weakness or numbness
- Difficulty walking
- One pupil larger than the other
- Severe or worsening headache
- Fluid or blood leaking from the ears or nose
- Vision loss or double vision
- Increasing sleepiness
- Any symptom that concerns you
Do not drive yourself if you are confused, dizzy, or having vision problems.
Seek medical evaluation as soon as possible.
Even if your injury seems "minor," it is important to be examined by a healthcare professional.
Rest before returning to activity.
Do not return to sports, work, school, or strenuous activity until cleared by your healthcare provider.
Your brain needs time to heal.
Bring Someone With You
If possible, ask a family member or friend to accompany you.
They may notice symptoms you don't recognize.
They can also help remember instructions from the medical team.
Start Your Brain Injury Record
Memory problems can begin immediately after a brain injury. Write down — or have someone else write down — the following:
- Date of injury
- Time of injury
- Location
- What happened
- Who witnessed it
- Loss of consciousness (if known)
- How long you were unconscious
- Whether an ambulance responded
- Hospital name
- Physician names
- Police report number (if applicable)
- Insurance information
- Employer (if work-related)
Keep everything together.
Document Your Symptoms
Check any symptoms you are experiencing:
Ask Questions
Don't leave your appointment without understanding:
- What is my diagnosis?
- Did I receive a CT scan?
- Do I need an MRI?
- Should I follow up with a neurologist?
- Should I avoid driving?
- When can I return to work?
- Do I need therapy?
- What symptoms require me to return to the Emergency Department?
Save Every Record
Create a folder. Keep copies of:
- Emergency room records
- CT reports
- MRI reports
- Hospital discharge papers
- Therapy records
- Prescriptions
- Receipts
- Insurance paperwork
- Work notes
These records may become important for your medical care and, if applicable, insurance or legal matters.
Coming Soon
Download Free Resources
- Brain Injury Emergency Checklist (PDF)
- Symptom Tracker
- Medication Log
- Medical Appointment Notebook
- Hospital Questions Checklist
- Daily Recovery Journal
- Caregiver Notes
- Return-to-Work Planner
- TBI Justice Journal™
Helpful Organizations
Need More Help?
Visit our pages on:
- Understanding TBI
- Recovery & Rehabilitation
- Caregiver Resources
- Service Dogs
- Financial Resources
- Legal Referral Center (Coming Soon)
Remember
A brain injury can change your life.
Early medical care, good documentation, proper rehabilitation, and strong support can make an important difference.
You are not alone.
Healing Better Together.