By definition, a traumatic brain injury is an intracranial injury affecting the brain caused by an outside force, which can cause a closed or penetrating wound. TBIs may affect the victim physically as well as mentally, and the effects can be long-lasting or permanent. It affects the victims psyche, personality, and more. Traumatic brain injuries can be mild or very severe, resulting in a range of symptoms of brain damage. A traumatic brain injury could even cause death.