It is important to determine if a traumatic brain injury (TBI) has occurred when an individual is assessed in a hospital emergency room after a car accident, fall, or other injury that affects the head. This determination influences decisions about treatment. It is essential to screen for the injury, because the sooner they begin appropriate medical stabilization and treatment interventions for those who may have sustained a TBI, the higher the chance of that person reaching their maximum potential of post-injury functioning and independence. When a patient with isolated head trauma presents at an emergency room they are asked about confusion, disorientation and other criteria, and given a focused neurological exam that assesses strength, balance, sensation, and thinking ability. Particular focus is given on three parts of the examination: (1) Ability to move; (2) Ability to open eyes; and (3) Ability to speak in a coherent fashion.