traumatic brain injury

American  

[traw-mat-ik breyn in-juh-ree, truh-mat-ik] / trɔˈmæt ɪk ˈbreɪn ˌɪn dʒə ri, trəˈmæt ɪk /

noun

Medicine/Medical.

1. damage to the brain from a source outside the body, such as an object that strikes the head violently or penetrates the skull, which causes symptoms ranging from headache and dizziness to permanent physical or mental disability: TBI

   After the car accident, he was diagnosed with a severe traumatic brain injury that greatly affected his memory and ability to concentrate.

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Etymology

Origin of traumatic brain injury

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

When my wife suffered a traumatic brain injury, she wanted to read only romance novels.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026

Trump also highlighted the case of Dalilah Coleman, 6, of Bakersfield who was left with a traumatic brain injury after a 2024 car crash in California.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

His cause of death was recorded as traumatic brain injury and a fall.

From BBC • Jan. 22, 2026

In 2024, the couple faced a lawsuit from California decorator Shana Kallen, who claimed that she suffered a traumatic brain injury at the home while working for the famous pair.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 14, 2025

I want to tell her that my memory is hacked, that I have a traumatic brain injury.

From "We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart