Los Angeles, CA – After more than 50 years using what many consider an outdated and limited system, the international medical community has taken a significant step forward with a new traumatic brain injury (TBI) classification system. Proposed by experts from 14 countries and published in Lancet Neurology, this new model marks a significant improvement over the traditional Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS).
Limitations of the Current System
For five decades, hospitals and trauma centers have used the GCS to categorize brain injuries as “mild,” “moderate,” or “severe.” However, this system has faced criticism for its lack of nuance, failing to reflect the complex, lived experiences of people with TBI.
“People with TBI will celebrate the end of an oversimplified classification that never reflected their reality,” said John D. Corrigan, PhD, National Research Director at the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA).
CBI-M: A New Multidimensional Approach
The new model, CBI-M (Common Data Elements-Based Injury Model), evaluates patients across four integrated domains: clinical, biomarkers, imaging, and contextual modifiers, allowing for a deeper, more personalized diagnosis.
The Four Pillars of the CBI-M System
| Pillar | Description |
| Clinical | Retains GCS (eye, verbal, motor), plus pupil reactivity, amnesia, dizziness, light/sound sensitivity |
| Biomarkers | Blood markers that indicate brain damage, reduce unnecessary CT scans, and improve clinical trial inclusion |
| Imaging | CT/MRI scans to detect bleeding, clots, or lesions that explain current and future symptoms |
| Modifiers | Trauma context: fall, blow, medical history, healthcare access, medications, living conditions, prior TBIs |
Why This Change Matters
A 2022 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report found that the U.S. lacks a comprehensive framework for addressing TBI. It emphasized that the current system fails to meet the clinical, social, and familial needs of people with traumatic brain injuries.
High-quality TBI care must be seen as both an acute and long-term process, requiring early detection, individualized treatment, public education, and sustained rehabilitation.
What’s Next for the CBI-M?
The system is currently in pilot use at select trauma centers and will continue to be refined. It is expected to replace the GCS model once fully validated. The scientific team behind CBI-M is also working on:
- Integrating emotional expression and speech variation into diagnostic tools
- Improving long-term functional outcome predictions
- Empowering patients and physicians with more informed treatment and rehabilitation choices
How Can the Brain Injury Help Center Support You?
At Brain Injury Help Center (BIHC), we stay at the forefront of scientific and medical advancements in TBI to provide:
✔️ Updated neurological evaluations based on modern criteria
✔️ Medical and legal guidance for injuries from accidents, falls, medical negligence, or workplace conditions
✔️ Personalized rehabilitation plans and long-term support
Get the medical care you need and the compensation you deserve
📞 If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, contact us today for a free consultation. Your recovery deserves a complete and modern evaluation.
