A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can change your life in an instant–but underestimating the seriousness of the condition can make recovery even harder. Too many patients delay treatment or suffer in silence because of common myths surrounding TBI. Let’s debunk the most common misconceptions about TBI and go over the warning signs that should not be ignored.
“You Have to Hit Your Head to Have a TBI”
One of the biggest myths about TBI is that it only happens when there’s a direct blow to the head. In reality, any sudden jolt or movement–such as in a car accident or whiplash injury–can cause the brain to move inside the skull, leading to injury. You don’t need to lose consciousness or see visible signs of trauma to have a serious TBI.
“If You Look Fine, You Must Be Fine”
TBI is often an invisible injury. Just because someone appears physically normal doesn’t mean they’re not struggling with memory loss, headaches, mood changes, or cognitive difficulties. These symptoms can linger long after the initial injury and often require specialized neurological care.
“TBI Symptoms Show Up Immediately”
Some TBI symptoms appear right away, but others may take days or even weeks to surface. Delayed symptoms can include dizziness, trouble concentrating, irritability, and sleep disturbances. That’s why it’s critical to seek evaluation by a specialist after any head trauma–even if you feel okay at first.
“You Can Just Tough It Out”
Ignoring TBI symptoms can lead to long-term complications. While rest is important, so is active recovery guided by a neurologist who understands the complexities of brain injury. Early intervention leads to better outcomes and reduces the risk of chronic neurological issues.
“TBIs Only Occur in Major Accidents or Trauma”
Many people believe a traumatic brain injury only happens during severe accidents–but that’s not always the case. TBIs can result from seemingly minor incidents like slipping on stairs, bumping your head, or even rapid shaking of the head. Don’t underestimate a head injury just because it didn’t seem serious at the time.
Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
If you've experienced a recent head injury–no matter how minor–be alert for these signs: persistent headaches, nausea or vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, memory lapses, confusion, mood swings, trouble sleeping, or blurred vision. In severe cases, look for slurred speech, loss of coordination, seizures, or worsening symptoms over time. These are red flags that require immediate medical evaluation.
Don’t Let Misinformation Delay Your Recovery: Get the Right Help Right Away
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms after a head injury, schedule a comprehensive neurological evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment make all the difference in recovery from traumatic brain injury.
AUTHOR: Dr. Miguel A. Pappolla is a board-certified neurologist and board-certified pain medicine specialist in Houston, Texas, with expertise in traumatic brain injury and pain management. A full professor of Neurology at UTMB, he holds board certifications in five medical specialties and has authored over 100 highly cited research papers. With decades of experience as a consultant for the NIH and as a neuroscience educator, Dr. Pappolla continues to advance research and patient care.