This website was created by me, Karen Renee Gomez. . .

ALONE…A Survivor of over 12 TBIs and a TBI advocate for over 40 years for TBI clients during my legal career as a Paralegal ~ many of the clients didn’t even know they had a brain injury, or they were afraid to tell anyone!

Founded TBI-ID.com in January 2025.  Over the past year, I’ve built more than 100 pages of FREE Resources to help individuals and families IDENTIFY & RECOGNIZE TBI symptoms. RESPOND (seek medical attention), then start the Healing Journey to RECOVER from traumatic brain injury (TBI). 

I DID IT! MANY TIMES!  YOU CAN DO IT, TOO!!! 

If you’d like to support this work, Donations can be made directly through this site.  Your contribution helps keep these Resources FREE & accessible for EVERYONE!

 

       

  • Use the TBIQuikList to identify symptoms in under a minute
  • Download the TBIQuestionnaire to take to your doctor
  • Visit TBI-U/Self-Rehab for articles, research, and healing tools
  • Explore resources for military, first responders, educators, parents, students, seniors, survivors of violence, high-risk professions, sports
  • Browse the BEST APPS & PRODUCTS and SHOP pages for curated support tools

If my website has helped you or someone you love, please consider supporting my ongoing work to keep it FREE and accessible for EVERYONE.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT!

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PLEASE NOTE:  A QUICK SELF-DIAGNOSIS of a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is NOT possible! 

It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention after any head injury.

COMMON SYMPTOMS of TBI

Symptoms can range from mild (confusion, headache, and dizziness) to moderate/severe signs like loss of consciousness, persistent vomiting, seizures, and weakness or numbness in the limbs.

A healthcare professional must evaluate symptoms to determine if it is a mild TBI or a more severe condition that requires urgent care. 

Mild TBI symptoms

Moderate-Severe TBI symptoms
  • Headache, Confusion
  • Lightheadedness/Dizziness
  • Blurred vision, Ringing in the ears
  • Behavior or mood changes
  • Trouble with memory, concentration, attention, or thinking
  • Loss of consciousness lasting a few seconds to minutes
  • Sensitivity to light or sound
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Headache that worsens/does not go away
  • Repeated vomiting or nausea
  • Seizures or convulsions
  • Dilation of one or both pupils
  • Slurred speech
  • Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination in the extremities
  • Increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation

WHAT TO DO?  It is crucial to be evaluated by a medical professional after any head trauma to rule out a TBI.

  • DO NOT try to self-diagnose.  Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately if you experience some of these symptoms after a head injury (YOU DO NOT NEED TO HIT YOUR HEAD TO SUSTAIN A TBI).
  • DO NOT drive yourself. If you are feeling dizzy, confused, or have trouble with coordination, have someone else drive you to the hospital.
  • Provide details. Tell the medical professionals exactly what happened, how the injury occurred, and what symptoms you are experiencing.  (See: 51-symptom TBIQ https://tbi-id.com/tbi-questionnaires-and-links/ )

Reference:  CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/traumatic-brain-injury/response/index.html#:~:text=The%20first%20few%20days,other%20TBI%20in%20the%20past

WHAT TO DO AFTER A TBI?  https://www.cdc.gov/traumatic-brain-injury/response/index.html |

After you’ve followed your doctor’s advice and recommendations (ie, REST), please visit tbi-id.com (TBI-U has 40+ self-rehab therapies & exercises, + links to 100s of short YouTube videos that promote BRAIN HEALING = Neuroplasticity!).