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The spinal cord is the largest nerve in the body. It is approximately 18 inches long and runs from the base of the brain, down the middle of the back, to the waist. The spinal cord is made up of nerve fibers. These nerve fibers are responsible for the body's communication systems, which include sensory, motor, and autonomic functions. Sensory function means the ability to feel sensations, like pain. Motor function is the ability to voluntarily move your body. Autonomic functions are involuntary body functions, like the ability to sweat and breathe. Around the nerve fibers are protective bone segments called the vertebral column or the spinal column.

Traumatic brain injury can result from a fracture or a penetration of the skull. Damage to the brain may occur at the time the head impacts a hard surface. It may also occur later because of swelling and bleeding into the brain or bleeding around the brain.

Traumatic brain injury can also result from a "closed head injury." In such a case, there is no penetration of the skull. Often times, there are no obvious signs of external damage. A closed head injury often occurs when there is a rapid acceleration or deceleration of the head, like in the case of shaken baby syndrome. Closed head injuries usually result in more widespread damage to the brain and, therefore, cause more extensive neurological defects.

Possible effects of traumatic brain injury include:

Coma. A person is considered "comatose" when he or she remains unconscious for a long period of time. The longer a person is comatose, the more severe the traumatic brain injury.
You need not be in a coma to suffer a traumatic brain injury, however. You can be conscious and have suffered a traumatic brain injury. In such a case, you may exhibit one or more of the following effects:

Paralysis
Impaired cognitive or thinking functions, including difficulties with reading and writing and limited concentration
Memory loss
Behavior changes, including fatigue, mood swings, sexual dysfunction, lack of motivation and problems with interpersonal skills
Disorientation
Confusion
Dizziness
Loss of coordination
Depression
Anxiety
Personality changes
Impaired speech and/or vision
Hearing loss

If you or someone you know hits their head in an accident and exhibits any of the above symptoms or any other unusual behavior, a traumatic brain injury may have been suffered. Even if you remotely suspect a traumatic brain injury, you should immediately go to an emergency room or see another health-care professional.