Trying to remain mentally well is one of the most serious challenges facing military servicemen and women who are on the battlefront and veterans at home.

Veterans can identify the headaches, loss of consciousness and dizziness that characterize a mild brain injury. But a number of other symptoms unrelated to the injury incorrectly get caught up in the mix.

One major hit to the head is all it takes. Trouble focusing, headaches, lightheadedness and other symptoms can stick around with patients who have a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI).

Head injuries can come with an unpredictable recovery process. Coping with the physical and mental stress of a traumatic brain injury may lead to short-term substance abuse.

About 10 million people experience a mild traumatic brain injury across the world each year. Understanding risk factors for these injuries may help with prevention.

Helmets and mouth guards do a lot to protect the head from injury. How well the equipment protects against concussion is another story.

Living through a brain bleed may provide a second chance to quit smoking. Kicking the habit and taking care of blood pressure and cholesterol can help keep these patients alive.

Not so fast. Head injury still bothering you? You might not be allowed to play just yet. "No athlete diagnosed with a concussion should return to play on the same day or while symptomatic," the authors of a recent report said.

Star NFL linebacker Junior Seau's suicide last year stunned the nation. Now scientists have found he suffered from a brain disease probably caused by a career of hits to his head.

Football has always been a dangerous game. Now researchers are learning more about the long-term effects professional players may be experiencing from career-related head injuries.