Traumatic Brain Injury

Overview
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects 1.7 million people in the United States annually. It typically results from a sudden, violent blow to the head or from something piercing the brain tissue. TBIs can bruise the brain, tear nerve fibers and cause bleeding within the skull, and range in severity from mild to severe. Statistics show that adults 75+ have the highest rates of TBI-related hospitalization and death; the number is much higher for males than females. Soldiers are also at high risk; traumatic brain injury has been called the “signature” injury of the Iraq War.

Get the stats on traumatic brain injury >

Is there a cure?
There is no single cure for TBI. Cognitive rehabilitation is the most common approach for those who have suffered an injury to the brain. The treatment that TBI patients go through is based on neuropsychological symptoms identified in special tests. Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms. Various cognitive tasks, such as solving logic puzzles, practicing concentration skills, and reading, are commonly used in rehabilitation, but often aren’t enough. In many cases, basic skills – attention, focus, and perceptual skills – must be re-developed and strengthened first.

The goal of cognitive rehabilitation is to help TBI patients recover to the extent possible given their specific injury. In some cases, a full recovery is possible. In others, such as the Ryan Reitmeyer story featured below, every small step forward is a reason for celebration.

More on the signs and symptoms of traumatic brain injury >

Published Studies
Find out the latest research on traumatic brain injury.

1. Read a recent pilot study that determines whether a group-based Cognitive Strategy Training (CST) has a significant post-treatment effect on combat veterans with mild cognitive disorder or a history of traumatic brain injury.
2. See if cognitive therapy can help with depression in TBI patients.
3. See how peripheral vision is compromised after TBI.

Proven in Lives
Posit Science brain training software has been an important tool for many TBI sufferers. Here are a few of their stories:

	Ryan Reitmeyer – A tragic boat accident left Ryan without much hope for recovery—but recover he did. Watch Ryan’s story
	Ed Steenerson - Decades after a head trauma, Ed still felt like he was “in a fog.” Read Ed’s story
	Steven Schulz – Corporal Steven experienced a TBI while on duty in Iraq. Read Steven’s story