This information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical treatment. You should speak to your physician or make an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about this information or your medical condition. Exención de responsabilidad en Español | Complete disclaimer
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Patient Information and Instructions
You or your family member have been diagnosed with a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). This is also referred to as a mild concussion or head injury. This injury may or may not have been associated with a brief loss of consciousness. Most people make a full and complete recovery following such an injury. The recovery period is usually a few weeks, but may be a few months.
The common symptoms following a mild traumatic brain injury are usually self limited and resolve without any treatment. They include:
- Problems with balance
- Headache
- Fatigue, becoming easily tired, or needing extra sleep
- Irritability and restlessness
- Behavior and personality changes
- Difficulty with concentration and forgetfulness
Because of concerns for safety, some patients will be instructed to have 24-hour supervision for a period of time as indicated on your hospital discharge instructions. This requires that the patient have a responsible adult with them at all times. These patients are also instructed to:
- Not drive a car or other motor vehicle
- Not cook unless supervised
- Not return to work
- Not operate any machinery (i.e. lawn movers, electric saws)
- Not use ladders and avoid heights
- Postpone making important decisions
- Do not use alcohol, or any other drugs not prescribed by your physician
These restrictions should remain in effect until the patient is evaluated in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic or a physician tells them that such precautions are no longer necessary. If you are not given an appointment before you are discharged, you can call the clinic at 1-734-936-7175 for an appointment.
In a small percentage of minor head injuries, late symptoms may develop which require immediate medical attention. They include:
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Increasingly severe headaches
- Progressive drowsiness or difficulty in arousing from sleep
- Weakness or paralysis of the arms or legs
- Progressive confusion or disorientation
If any of these symptoms appear after you have been discharged, contact the Trauma Burn Surgery Clinic immediately at 1-734-936-9669, or report to the emergency room.
Information provided by Mark J. Ziadeh, MD, UMHS Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, November 2005
