1. Home
  2. Our Services
  3. A-Z of Services
  4. Emergency Department
  5. Minor Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI)

Minor Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI)

Head injury in adults mBIG pathway

You have been sent to this page because you are recovering from a Minor Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI).

This page has information on:

  • What is a minor traumatic brain injury?
  • What to expect after you have been discharged from the Emergency Department (ED)?
  • Symptoms that you are likely to experience while recovering from the MTBI?

Research has shown that if people recovering from MTBI know what to expect, they feel better and recover faster.

What is a minor traumatic brain injury?

An MTBI can happen for many reasons. For example, following a fall, an assault, sports injury, or a road traffic accident. An injury to the brain can occur even when there is no direct blow to the head.

An MTBI can happen even if you have not lost consciousness (been knocked out), or have any physical signs of a head injury. In most cases an MTBI does not lead to any form of brain injury. 

  • MTBI is caused by rapid acceleration and deceleration of the brain a it moves inside the skull. This means it very quickly speeds up and slows down either from a blunt force or a sudden change of direction.
  • This can cause bruising and temporary disruption to how the brain works. Because of this, the brain may not work as efficiently for a while.
  • Around 50% of people that have a MTBI experience some symptoms. However, you should not be concerned as this is perfectly normal.

You have attended the Emergency Department (ED), and your doctor or nurse are happy for you to go home. What are the next steps?

You will receive two phone calls from one of the Clinical Team members to check up on you:

  • The first call will be on the next day after you have been discharged from the ED.
  • The second call will be between day 5 and day 7 after you have been discharged from the ED.

Do make sure you stay within easy reach of a phone and medical help.

Do notify the DVLA about your injury.  

Do not stay at home alone for the first 48 hours after leaving hospital. 

If you develop any of the following symptoms, you must return to your local Emergency Department or call 999:

  • Loss of consciousness.
  • Drowsiness when you would normally be awake.
  • Unable to be woken from sleep.
  • New deafness in one or both ears.
  • Clear fluid coming out of nose or ears or at the back of your throat accompanied by a salty taste.
  • Bleeding from one or both ears.
  • Weakness or numbness.
  • Dizziness or a lack of co-ordination.
  • Vomiting (being sick).
  • Increasing disorientation.
  • Problems speaking or understanding what others are saying.
  • Persistent blurred or double vision.
  • Severe headaches that still persist after taking pain killers.
  • Neck stiffness.
  • If you experience fits (collapsing, passing out suddenly, epileptic seizures).

Symptoms you are likely to experience during your recovery from an MTBI:

  • Mild headache.
  • Dizziness.
  • Feeling sick (without vomiting).
  • Sensitivity to light.
  • Sensitivity to noise.
  • Sleep disturbance.
  • Fatigue and needing to sleep more.
  • Irritability.
  • Confusion.
  • Restlessness.
  • Impulsivity and self-control problems.
  • Feeling depressed, tearful or anxious.
  • Difficulties with concentration.
  • Memory problems.
  • Difficulties thinking, planning and problem solving.

How long will symptoms last?

Most people should fully recover from an MTBI within two to three months, because any damage to the brain is minor.

You can help your recovery by getting enough rest and getting back to your normal activities gradually.

Until you feel you have fully recovered you should avoid driving, and also to avoid alcohol.

If your symptoms do not go away after two weeks, please contact your GP.

Supporting your recovery do’s and don’ts

Do:

  • Remember that symptoms are a normal part of the recovery process.
  • Slow down and let your brain heal.
  • Have plenty of rest.
  • Avoid stress where possible.
  • Resume your daily activity in a gradual way.
  • Stay well hydrated and take simple pain killers such as paracetamol.
  • Avoid reading small text or screens such as computers, phones or TV - concentrating on these can make your symptoms worse.

Don't:

  • Push yourself too hard.
  • “Power on”.
  • Do too much too soon.
  • Become overwhelmed.
  • Take any alcohol or drugs.
  • Take sleeping pills, sedatives or tranquilisers unless they are given by a doctor.
  • Play any contact sport (like football or rugby) for at least 3 weeks.
  • Drive a car, motorbike or bicycle or operate machinery until you are fully recovered.

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published November 2025. Review due November 2028. NBT003800

Minor Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI)