Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury from a bump, jolt, blow, or penetrating object to the head that interrupts the normal function of the brain.

Everyone is at risk for a TBI, which can be caused by car accidents, falls, or impacts related to sports activities. Nationally, more than 1.4 million suffer a TBI every year.

A TBI could be “mild” and result in a concussion or brief change in mental status, while a “severe” TBI could cause long-term problems, including permanent disability.

Why Choose Cooper to Treat Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

People in the South Jersey community and beyond choose Cooper for neurology services because of our:

  • Excellence: Our board-certified, fellowship-trained neurologists and neurosurgeons are at the forefront of neurological care, with a focus on clinical excellence, academic achievement, and innovative research. 
  • Surgical Expertise: As part of the only level 1 trauma center in southern New Jersey, our neurosurgeons are a key part of the trauma team that handles the most complex injuries.
  • Team approach: At Cooper, doctors with advanced training in different areas pool their knowledge to come up with a treatment plan personalized to your circumstances. Your care team may include neurologists, physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, and other specialists, all collaborating to provide the best possible care.

Symptoms of TBI

Most TBIs that occur each year are mild, commonly called concussions. The following symptoms can be signs of a TBI and can last for days, weeks, or longer.

Thinking / Remembering

  • Difficulty thinking clearly or concentrating
  • Difficulty remember new information
  • Feeling slowed down

Physical

  • Headache
  • Blurry vision
  • Dizziness
  • Vomiting (early on)
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Balance problems
  • Lack of energy or feeling tired
  • Sleeping more or less than normal
  • Trouble falling asleep

Emotional / Mood

  • Irritability
  • Sadness
  • More emotional
  • Nervous or anxious

Treatment Programs for Traumatic Brain Injury Patients

  • Mild Head Injury Program: Cooper provides a full spectrum of services for patients experiencing a mild traumatic brain injury, or concussion. Your doctor may recommend a combination of neuropsychological evaluation, family education, psychosocial counseling, stress management, and relaxation training.
  • Concussion Therapy Program: Our physical therapists address concussion symptoms such as headache, dizziness, motion sensitivity, balance impairments and neck pain using vestibular rehabilitation, manual physical therapy, and active exercise. The physical therapist will also provide guidance to those individuals looking to return to sports safely.

Make an Appointment With a Cooper TBI Specialist

To learn more about traumatic brain injury services available at Cooper or to request an appointment, please call 800.8.COOPER (800.826.6737).