If you or a loved one has experienced a major accident recently, you can benefit from learning the signs of a traumatic brain injury.
Living with a traumatic brain injury can be a challenge. In addition to the pain, weakness and impairment associated with serious bodily injuries, traumatic brain injuries can cause neurological, cognitive and psychological symptoms.
Traumatic brain injury symptoms
The physical signs of a moderate traumatic brain injury include persistent headaches, nausea, dizziness and fatigue. You might also experience blurred vision or light sensitivity. Mental symptoms like memory issues and mood changes can indicate a brain injury as well.
More serious injuries can result in confused, impulsive or agitated behavior that can cause social and personal difficulties. People with TBIs sometimes struggle with daily activities like driving, making decisions and communicating with others. Other signs of a severe traumatic brain injury can include:
- Slurring while speaking
- Dilated pupils
- Seizures and convulsions
- Vomiting repeatedly
- Weakness and paralysis
Loss of consciousness can also occur if you have a traumatic brain injury. Some injured people even go into a comatose state.
Types of traumatic brain injuries
Many varieties of injuries can damage the brain. For example, a skull fracture can accompany and contribute to a TBI. Some brain injuries involve hemorrhage or internal bleeding within and around the brain tissue. Often TBIs lead to mass lesions in the brain, such as contusions and hematomas. However, some people with TBIs have diffuse injuries, which are smaller, less localized and distributed throughout the brain.
A traumatic brain injury can significantly impact your physical and mental health, causing symptoms like headaches, vomiting and behavioral changes.
