ABSTRACT
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death worldwide, particularly in those under the age of 40. Head injury and traumatic brain injury are two distinct entities that are often, but not necessarily, related. A head injury is best defined as an injury that is clinically evident upon physical examination and is recognized by the presence of ecchymoses, lacerations, deformities, or cerebral spinal rhinorrhea or otorrhea. Traumatic brain injury refers to an injury to the brain itself and can occur without external signs of trauma. Prehospital care providers must be prepared to diagnose not only head injuries but also TBI.
