Brain Injury

Acceptability at recruitment

Unacceptable if:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) with intracranial bleeding or intensive care admission

Otherwise accept

Individual Risk

Donor

Explanation of condition

A common form of brain trauma is a concussion which is a traumatic injury that alters the way the brain functions. Effects are usually temporary but can include headaches and problems with concentration, memory, balance and coordination. Although concussions usually are caused by a blow to the head, they can also occur when the head and upper body are violently shaken. Other terms for concussion are “mild traumatic brain injury” or MTBI. For purposes of volunteer donor assessment, a concussion must have been medically diagnosed by a physician or other medical personnel or met concussion criteria through sports assessment by a trainer or coach. Other serious injuries of the brain that may not have been specifically diagnosed as a concussion should also be taken into consideration in this assessment.

Guidance at VT / workup

Unacceptable if any of the following:

- TBI with loss of consciousness >30 minutes

- TBI with intracranial bleeding

- TBI with severe injuries (fractures, ITU)

- Concussion (diagnosed by healthcare professional) within 3 months of the donation

- Chronic neurological symptoms (>3 months) secondary to concussion

Acceptable if all of following are present:

- >3 months since recovery from most recent concussion

- No TBI/concussion episode with loss of consciousness >30 minutes

- No associated neurological symptoms lasting >10 days

Discuss with medical officer:

- Any concussion with post concussions symptoms 10 days to 3 months

- Skull fracture (cranial OR facial fractures)

- Transsphenoidal (nose/sinus) surgery

- Orbital (eye socket) surgery

- Vestibular (inner ear) surgery

TBI defined as diagnosed traumatic brain injury

Concussion must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional. A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury with temporary self-limiting symptoms.

BM and DLC considered unproblematic

Pseudonyms or Related Conditions

Concussion

Brain bleed

Intracranial Haemorrhage

Stroke

Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Version

Version 2, Edition 1

Date of Last Update

16th September 2025