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NC Department of Health and Human Services Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services
 
 

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

What is TBI and What are the Symptoms?

In a Traumatic Brain Injury, also known as TBI, the brain has been damaged by blow or injury to the head. This injury can result in both physical and mentalmicrosoft photo limitations. Physical symptoms may include clumsiness, dizziness, headaches and fatigue. Behavioral symptoms may include irritability, outbursts, and changes in personality. Other symptoms can include difficulty with finding the correct word, difficulty with memory and with learning new skills, reduced concentration, slowed thinking, slowed reading and slowed speaking.

Where Can I Go for Help?

North Carolina provides help for people with TBI and their families. There are several resources available.

  • Public System of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services
    • People with mental illness and/or substance abuse who also have a traumatic brain injury may be served in the public mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse services system. People with TBI who also meet qualifications for having a developmental disability may also be served. You can get help from a local management entity (LME) in your area. Find more information on your LME here.
    • NC State TBI Program Contacts
      • Joan Kaye, TBI Program Manager
      • Janice White, TBI Coordinator: 919-715-5989
      • E-mail Us: TBIContact@dhhs.nc.gov
  • Brain Injury Resource Offices are located throughout the state and are available to help you.
    • Statewide Family Help Line: 1-800-377-1464.
    • Raleigh area call 1-919-833-9634
    • Charlotte area call 1-704-355-1502
    • Greenville area call 1-800-697-3115
    • Asheville area call 1-866-890-7801
    • Support Groups

Why is TBI Called the Silent Epidemic and Who Runs the Highest Risk for TBI?

Someone sustains a brain injury every few seconds in the U.S. More than 5 million Americans alive today have had a TBI resulting in a permanent need for TBI prevalencehelp in performing daily activities. However, most people don't realize how a brain injury, even from a "minor blow" to the head, can impact their behavior or ability to function. Also, most people believe that unless someone "passes out", there has been no injury to the brain.

Men are about 1.5 times more likely to receive a brain injury than women. Individuals from age 0-4 years, 15-19 years and 65+ years have the highest risk of having a brain injury. Members of the military, especially veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan war, are at high risk. TBI has been called the signature wound of the Iraq War.

Brain Injury Advisory Council

The Council was created by state statute and meets quarterly. The Council provides a voice for the consumers with traumatic brain injury, and their families, in the state of North Carolina. | Minutes

Online Resources

 

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