A traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when bumps, blows, blasts, or other external forces damage brain tissue or disrupt brain function for days, weeks, or longer. TBI can impact your mood and energy levels, cause headaches, and even result in memory loss. It also can affect your speech, balance, and motor coordination. TBI ranges from mild to severe.
- Mild TBI (mTBI) or concussion. Symptoms include feeling confused or disoriented for a period lasting less than 24 hours. You could also lose consciousness for up to 30 minutes or experience memory loss for up to a day. Most people with an mTBI don't need a brain scan, and if they get one, it usually shows everything is normal.
- Moderate TBI. Injury is characterized by confusion and disorientation that lasts more than 24 hours. It can also involve losing consciousness for more than 30 minutes (but less than 24 hours), or having memory loss lasting from 1–7 days. A brain imaging study might show abnormal results.
- Severe TBI. Symptoms include confusion or disorientation that lasts more than 24 hours. You can also lose consciousness for more than a whole day or experience memory loss for more than 7 days.
- Penetrating TBI. Injury happens when the scalp, skull, and the layers involving the brain are physically penetrated.
HPRC resources
HPRC content focuses on mTBI prevention, symptom recognition, and Total Force Fitness strategies for recovery.
Almost 80% of TBIs occur in non-deployed settings. Learn 3 tips to help prevent the most common causes of TBI.
How concussions can impact memory and energy
Changes in memory and energy levels can be a sign of concussion. Learn more about the impacts of concussion on mental performance and the steps you can take to support your recovery.
Help your relationship recover from PTSD, TBI, and other invisible injuries for military wellness
Recovery from PTSD, TBI, or moral injury can affect your relationships. Find out how support and understanding can improve those connections and your mental health.
Exercise as treatment for concussions
Light exercise can be beneficial for treating lingering symptoms of a concussion. Explore strategies to safely add exercise back into your life while you recover.
3 ways exercise can help you recover from a concussion
Exercise can aid recovery from post-concussion syndrome. Learn the different ways exercise affects the brain, restores health, and improves military wellness.
More resources
Recovery from a concussion can be frustrating, and you may be struggling with symptoms like headaches, insomnia, concentration and memory problems, irritability and more. The Concussion Coach app was created for everyone, including Veterans and Service members, to help manage symptoms related to a concussion or head injury. Concussion Coach is designed to help you learn and practice healthy activities that can improve your concussion symptoms. Concussion Coach was created by VA’s National Center for PTSD.
TBI Resources for Service Members, Patients, Families, and Caregivers
This web page from the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence contains educational resources for Service Members, patients, families, and caregivers. Topics include TBI signs and symptoms, coping and recovery, and prevention.
TBI Resources for Medical Providers
This web page from the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence contains educational resources for medical providers. The resources summarize clinical recommendations on how to address common symptoms associated with an mTBI.
Also, visit HPRC’s “Where do you serve?” section for Service-specific policies and related information.
Updated: August 21, 2025