Find Care for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results from a shaking or jostling of the brain inside the skull. A TBI can be mild or severe and is often caused by falls, playing sports, or car accidents. 

If you or a loved one needs treatment for a traumatic brain injury in the Bay Area, Dignity Health Bay Area hospitals offer emergency medical services and both inpatient and outpatient care. 

If you suspect a severe head injury, call 9-1-1 right away. For all other non-life-threatening injuries, visit a Dignity Health location near you.

Our neurology departments use the latest diagnostic imaging equipment to diagnose all types of TBI. To make an appointment with a neurologist, Find a Doctor.

Signs & Symptoms of TBI

The signs of a head injury aren’t always obvious. You should see a doctor after any type of accident or injury involving your head. Mild headaches and temporary confusion may be a sign of a concussion.

Common TBI symptoms include: 

  • Confusion
  • Convulsions
  • Difficulty waking up from sleep
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Signs of stroke, such as numbness in your arms, legs or face, and weakness on one side of your body 
  • Slurred speech
  • Seizures

A TBI can develop without any visible signs, such as bleeding, a bump on your skull, or bruising. If you’ve had any type of head injury or accident, meet with an experienced Dignity Health neurologist for the right diagnosis.

Causes of TBI

The primary cause of TBI is a forceful impact to the head. This includes receiving a blow to your head, hitting your head on an object, being forcibly shaken, or falling and hitting your head. TBI can also occur when an object pierces your skull and enters your brain.

TBI Treatment

Treatment for TBI depends on the location and extent of the damage. Generally, it includes neurocritical care and acute rehabilitation. For mild TBI, Dignity Health neurologists may recommend rest from minor activities, such as reading, for a period of time. A severe brain injury may require emergency medical care, including surgery and rehabilitation through physical and occupational therapy and counseling (psychotherapy).

The best way to prevent a head injury is to wear safety equipment during sports, a helmet when bicycling, and a seatbelt when driving or riding in an automobile. 

Talk to an expert at Dignity Health to learn more about our personalized treatment for TBI in the Bay Area.

Dignity Health hospitals in the Bay Area provide comprehensive care to diagnose and treat TBI.