Will There Be a New TBI Classification System in the Near Future?
The current mild/moderate/severe TBI grading is being challenged by a proposed new CBI-M framework that adds biomarkers, imaging, and patient-specific modifiers.
By Attorney Dan D'Angelo
Trial Lawyer · Brain Injury Advocate · Avid Cyclist
The current classification of traumatic brain injury severity falls into three general categories: (1) Mild, (2) Moderate, and (3) Severe. There is no uniform definition. While multiple professional organizations use different — and sometimes conflicting — criteria, a TBI classification generally depends on duration of loss of consciousness, length of post-injury amnesia, Glasgow Coma Scale score, or presence of intracranial abnormality. Within each category there is a range. Loss of consciousness for the mild category is 0 to 30 minutes, the moderate category greater than 30 minutes up to 24 hours, and the severe category greater than 24 hours.
There are shortcomings to this grading system because it does not consider other factors relevant to patient outcome. As a result, there is a strong desire in the medical and scientific communities to move away from the current model of mild, moderate, and severe. In 2025, a new TBI classification framework called CBI-M was announced and is starting trials in trauma centers. This proposed new model will use clinical findings, biomarker blood tests, imaging, and modifiers based on the patient's individual factors like existing medical conditions, environmental factors, and how the injury occurred. It's unclear what labels this new CBI-M framework may ultimately assign for severity as it goes through further refinement and validation.
The desire to move away from these simple labels recognizes that the current severity ratings are not necessarily an accurate reflection of the effects a brain injury has on a person's functioning or long-term outcome. Mild doesn't mean the consequences are mild. A 'mild' TBI can have very serious and debilitating life-changing consequences that permanently interfere with work and enjoyment of life.
As the science surrounding TBI continues to evolve, understanding these complexities and changes is important for proper diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and protecting the legal rights of brain injury victims. We are committed to working with expert doctors in the field of TBI and staying informed about the latest brain injury science to protect our clients' rights.
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Attorney Dan D'Angelo offers free consultations for brain injury and cycling accident victims throughout Colorado.
About the Author
Attorney Dan D'Angelo
Trial Lawyer · Brain Injury Advocate · Avid Cyclist
Attorney Dan D'Angelo founded D'Angelo Law Office, P.C. in 2009 and Bike Brain Law to focus exclusively on traumatic brain injury and cycling injury cases in Colorado. An avid cyclist himself, Dan combines deep TBI science knowledge with hands-on cycling experience to build winning cases against insurance companies and corporations that put profits over safety.
- Practicing Colorado personal injury attorney since 2009
- Focused practice in TBI and bicycle injury litigation
- Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for injury victims
- Avid road and commuter cyclist
