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

For example, disruptions in this drainage system may play a role after traumatic brain injury or in neurodegenerative diseases.

From Science Daily • Apr. 9, 2026

The partner of a man who suffered a traumatic brain injury in the Nottingham attacks has said the organisations involved in a public inquiry have "tortured" the victims' families "over and over again".

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Farley discovered a deep appreciation for the genre when his wife Sharon fell in love with it while recovering from a traumatic brain injury.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 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

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

From "We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart