Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms
Traumatic brain injury sounds scary, and it can be depending on the level of its severity. It is important to note that some people experience signs or symptoms right after a traumatic event, while in other cases, symptoms don’t appear until days or weeks later. The Mayo Clinic has put together a list of physical, sensory, and cognitive symptoms of traumatic brain injuries based on their level of severity.
Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms by Severity
Mild traumatic brain injury
Physical symptoms
- Loss of consciousness for at least a few seconds up to a few minutes
- No loss of consciousness, but still experiencing a state of being dazed, confused, or disoriented
- Headache
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sleeping for longer periods of time than usual
- Dizziness or loss of balance
Sensory symptoms
- Sensory problems including blurred vision, ringing in the ears, a bad taste in the mouth, or changes in the ability to smell
- Sensitivity to light or sound
Cognitive or mental symptoms
- Loss of memory or concentration
- Mood changes or mood swings
- Feeling depressed or anxious
Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries
Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries may include any of the signs and symptoms of mild injury, plus the following symptoms. These additional symptoms may appear within the first few hours to days after a head injury:
Physical symptoms
- Loss of consciousness from several minutes to several hours
- Persistent headache or a headache that keeps getting worse
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Convulsions or seizures
- Dilation of one or both eye pupils
- Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears
- The lack of ability to awaken from sleep
- Weakness or numbness in fingers and toes
- Loss of coordination
Cognitive or mental symptoms
- Deep confusion
- Agitation, combativeness or other unusual behavior
- Slurred speech
- Coma and other consciousness disorders
Children’s symptoms
It is especially important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of traumatic brain injuries in infants and young children as they may lack the communication skills to report the symptoms they are experiencing. Look for:
- A change in eating or nursing habits
- Persistent crying and inability to be consoled
- Unusual or easy irritability
- A change in ability to pay attention or focus
- A change in sleep habits
- A sad or depressed mood
- Loss of interest in favorite toys or activities
Should I see a doctor?
Always see your doctor if you or your child has been in an accident that involved your head. Use emergency care of you are experiencing that signs of traumatic brain injury. Even a “mild” brain injury is relatively serious compared to other injuries.
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