Classification of the Severity of Head Injury

Typically traumatic brain injury has been divided into three levels of severity, mild, moderate and severe. One problem of this method is that “mild” can be quite misleading. Even a mild brain injury without loss of consciousness can cause significant lasting brain injury.

Mild Brain Injury:  Mild brain injury is often the result of blunt trauma or sudden acceleration or deceleration of the skull. Transient confusion, disorientation, or impaired consciousness may occur. Memory from the general time of the event may be affected short term. Loss of consciousness may or may not occur and when present may last less than thirty minutes. Lethargy and vomiting may occur in children and infants. Headache, irritability, fatigue, dizziness, seizures, and poor concentration may be noted. 

Moderate Brain Injury: Moderate brain injury may be marked by loss of consciousness greater than 30 minutes, memory problems lasting longer than 24 hours and may be associated with penetrating injuries.

Severe Brain Injuries: Crushing blows and penetrating injuries can cause severe brain injuries. Closed head injuries can also cause severe crushing, ripping and shearing of the brain.  Severe brain injuries are often life threatening.