Non-penetrating or closed head injuries are traumatic events that leave the skull intact, but result in brain tissue damage nonetheless. Penetrating or open head injuries as the name suggests occur when an external physical force results in penetration of the skull damaging the brain tissue. TBI’s can be broadly classified into ‘Penetrating injuries’ and It also controls and develops memory for fine reflex motor acts. It is responsible for controlling the coordination of voluntary movement balance and equilibrium. The cerebellum is located directly above the brain stem. A few of its vital functions is to assist in breathing heart rate swallowing controlling blood pressure, digestion, temperature regulating an individual’s level of alertness, ability to sleep, and sense of balance. The brain stem is located at the very base of the human brain and assists in a many of the body’s most important functions. The occipital lobes are also associated with various behaviors and functions that include: visual recognition visual attention and spatial analysis. Injury to the occipital lobes may lead to vision impairments such as blindness or blind spots visual distortions and visual inattention. This region includes the primary visual cortex and the visual association areas of the brain. They are also involved in body positioning and movement sensory perception sensory neglect language comprehension constructional ability right-left differentiation self-awareness and the ability to perform mathematical calculation. The parietal lobes are responsible for complex behaviors, including all behavior involving the senses. The temporal lobes are associated with several behaviors and functions of the human brain that include processing of auditory input comprehension of spoken language language production (choosing the appropriate words and fluency of spoken speech) and verbal and visual memory. They are also responsible for memory development and learning. This region of the brain is comprised of the primary auditory cortex and areas of the brain involved in the comprehension and production of spoken language (speech center of the brain). Some of the many behaviors and functions of the human brain include: inhibition behavior initiation and self-regulation abstract reasoning attention and working memory executive functioning (multitasking, organizing, etc.) and movement (muscles involved in speech, facial expressions, etc.).This brain region is often affected by TBI from motor vehicle accidents, especially injuries caused by rapid acceleration-deceleration type events. This part of the brain is responsible for behavioral output (social and cognitive behaviors), as well as body movement. The function of these pathways or tracts is to deliver messages like breathing regulating body temperature, heart rate, metabolic activities, and controlling behavior, personality, thoughts, and the five senses of smell, touch, vision, taste and hearing. A brain is made of nerve cells (neurons) that form routing pathways that run throughout the brain and body. The brain is safely enclosed inside the protective covering of the skull. To fully understand what happens to an injured brain, it is important to know the basic anatomy and function of a healthy brain. Outcome Prediction in Penetrating Brain Injury Genetic Determinants of Post-traumatic Cerebral EdemaĮxon-screening in Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction (RCVS) Outcome Prognostication in Traumatic Brain Injury (OPTIMISM) Study Susanne Muehlschlegel, MD, MPH (Principal Investigator)