Over 75% of traumatic brain injuries are so-called mild injuries (mTBIs), often known as concussions. Most people recover completely and are fully functional within two weeks. In about ten percent of cases, however, and especially where there has been repeated injury, symptoms can persist and alter the lives of the affected individuals and their families. Cognitive deficits, memory problems, emotional outbursts, impulsive and erratic behavior, sleep problems, headaches, and other issues can make mTBI much more than a "mild" condition.
Compounding the problem is the alarming prevalence of misdiagnosis, which is due largely to the lack of a reliable physical test for mTBI (it often does not register on CATs, MRIs, etc.). This misdiagnosis results in improper treatments, wasted resources, and an untold amount of difficulty, doubt and confusion for the individual who has sustained the injury.
