TBI Basics
What does TBI stand for?
Traumatic Brain Injury
True or False: A person can have a TBI without losing consciousness.
True
What is the most widely used clinical tool for assessing TBI severity?
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
What’s the first step when a TBI is suspected?
Seek immediate medical evaluation
The Latasha Norman Center partners with which local medical system for telehealth counseling?
University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC)
Name one common cause of a TBI.
Falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, or assaults
Name one physical symptom of mild TBI.
Headache, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, fatigue
What does a GCS score of 15 indicate?
Mild or no impairment
True or False: Rest and gradual return to normal activity are important parts of recovery.
True
What type of outreach events does the Center host to raise awareness about mental health and trauma?
Mental Health Week, R U OK Day, PTSD & TBI Trainings
What are the two major types of TBI?
Closed-head injury and penetrating (open-head) injury
Name one cognitive symptom of TBI.
Memory problems, confusion, slowed thinking, poor concentration
Name one imaging tool used to detect brain injury.
CT scan or MRI
Which therapy helps individuals regain cognitive and communication skills after TBI?
Speech-language or cognitive rehabilitation therapy
When students experience symptoms after a concussion or TBI, what resource can they contact for support?
The Latasha Norman Center for Counseling Services at 601-979-0374
What organization defines TBI as “an alteration in brain function caused by an external force”?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Name one emotional or behavioral change that may occur after a TBI.
Irritability, mood swings, depression, anxiety, impulsivity
What does the term “diffuse axonal injury” mean?
Widespread damage to brain cells caused by shearing forces during impact
Why is interdisciplinary care important in TBI recovery?
Because TBI affects multiple domains—physical, cognitive, and emotional—requiring coordinated care
Which JSU department collaborates with the Center for student wellness, safety, and crisis response?
Division of Student Affairs / Student Health Services
What distinguishes mild, moderate, and severe TBI classifications?
Level of consciousness (Glasgow Coma Scale score), duration of loss of consciousness, and post-traumatic amnesia
What’s the difference between concussion symptoms that resolve quickly and those that persist for weeks or months?
Persistent symptoms indicate post-concussion syndrome
What is second-impact syndrome?
A potentially fatal condition when a second concussion occurs before the first one has healed
Name one long-term effect that can result from a severe TBI.
Memory loss, changes in personality, chronic headaches, or seizure disorders
Why is the TBI training significant to the mission of the Latasha Norman Center?
It aligns with the Center’s mission to promote holistic wellness, trauma-informed care, and prevention of violence through education and counseling