What is MTBI (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury)?

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

If you hit your head in a car accident or sports injury, or if your head is shaken strongly, the impact may be transmitted to the brain and cause brain damage. According to the WHO (World Health Organization) report, a brain injury that presents with loss of consciousness within 30 minutes and post-traumatic amnesia* for less than 24 hours is called MTBI.
Even if the impact is mild and CT scans show no abnormalities, severe or prolonged symptoms may appear after a few days or weeks, so caution is required.

*Inability to remember new information, including daily events, after a head injury.

Major cause

• traffic accident

• fall from height

• fall down

• sports injuries

• violence

• shaking infants

Main symptoms

-There are individual differences in symptoms-

• higher brain dysfunction
  Inattention, inability to concentrate, inability to remember, inability to speak well, inability to understand, emotional instability
• Movement disorders of limbs/paralysis of sensation
  Poor movement of limbs, dull sensation in limbs
• cranial nerve paralysis
  Odorless, invisible, tasteless
• autonomic neuropathy
  Nausea, dizziness, headache, sleep disturbance
• mental/behavioral change
  Dependent, Irritable, Emotionally unstable
• Trouble urinating or having a bowel movement
• epileptic seizures

What to do when you hit your head

Symptoms of MTBI may not appear immediately after a head injury, but symptoms may appear hours, days, or even longer.

Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms after hitting your head in a traffic accident or falling.

• different state of consciousness
• I have no memory of before and after the accident.
• Difficulty applying strength to the limbs
• numbness in limbs
• convulsions
• nausea, dizziness, headache

Prevention of MTBI

Let's always keep in mind the life to protect the head (brain)

• When you put your child on a bicycle or in a car, use a child seat that fits your physique.
• Do not shake infants strongly.
• Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
• Wear protective gear when playing sports.
• Strengthen your legs and lower back with exercise and gymnastics to prevent falls.
• Prepare an environment to prevent falls. (Organize the room, install handrails, eliminate steps, etc.)

understanding and support

The symptoms of MTBI are often difficult to discern on the outside, and the way they appear varies from person to person. It is necessary for each and every one of us to understand and support the difficulties of daily life and social life.

About inquiries and consultation

Depending on your mental and physical condition, you may be eligible for the Mental Disability Health and Welfare Handbook or the Physical Disability Handbook, so please contact us first.

Counseling on mental health and mental disability health and welfare handbook

Itabashi Health and Welfare Center Telephone 3579-2333

Kamiitabashi Health and Welfare Center Telephone 3937-1041

Akatsuka Health and Welfare Center Telephone 3979-0511

Shimura Health and Welfare Center Telephone 3969-3836

Takashimadaira Health and Welfare Center Telephone 3938-8621

Note: Consultation hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (excluding national holidays and year-end and New Year holidays)

Consultation about physical disability certificate

Itabashi Welfare Office Person with Disabilities Support Section Phone 3579-2460

Akatsuka Welfare Office Disabled Support Section Tel: 3938-5118

Shimura Welfare Office Persons with Disabilities Support Section Phone 3968-2337

Note: Consultation hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (excluding national holidays and year-end and New Year holidays)

• MTBI (mild traumatic brain injury) enlightenment leaflet (PDF 1.3MB)