What are the symptoms of traumatic brain injury?

That depends on the severity of the traumatic brain injury. Physicians measure the severity of TBI using the Glasgow Coma Scale, which ranks TBIs ranging from mild to severe. It’s important to point out that this is just for measuring purposes. Every case of TBI is serious, and no case is “mild.” Using the scale, it’s possible to look at the vast range of TBI symptoms that can manifest in any case, either immediately or over a period of time. “Mild” TBI The most common form of traumatic brain injury is a concussion, which is classified on the “mild” end of the Glasgow Coma Scale. When someone takes a hit to the head and describes it as having their “bell rung” they’re describing a concussion. Some brain injury accident victims who’ve had a concussion will resist medical treatment. You don’t have to be knocked unconscious to sustain a concussion; it is still a serious brain injury. If you or a loved one has sustained a concussion, you may notice the following symptoms immediately or much later:

  • Problems thinking clearly, difficulty concentrating, loss of short-term memory
  • Headaches, blurry vision, nausea, vomiting, balance problems, light sensitivity
  • Emotional issues, irritability, depression, anxiety
  • Trouble falling asleep or sleeping more than usual

If these symptoms appear, seek medical help immediately. TBI victims may resist treatment for symptoms such as faulty thinking or emotional issues because they fear it may be considered a sign of weakness. It’s possible that a blood clot may form in the brain and prove to be fatal. If you or a loved one have suffered a head injury, and you notice any of the following symptoms, do not hesitate to call an ambulance or go to an emergency room immediately:

  • Headache that worsens and does not go away
  • Weakness, numbness and impaired coordination
  • Repeated vomiting or nausea
  • Slurred speech
  • Nonstop crying or refusal to nurse or eat (in small children)

Fortunately, most people recover quickly from concussions and other “mild” TBIs, especially with prompt treatment. But for more severe cases of traumatic brain injury on the Glasgow Coma Scale, the long-term prognosis can be much more discouraging. Many severe TBI victims are knocked unconscious for an extended period of time, slipping into a coma. Some victims awake from the coma with amnesia (total loss of memory). Some victims appear to be fully recovered, but weeks later, develop the same TBI symptoms noted above, only more extreme:

  • Difficulty thinking, including complete short-term memory loss
  • Aggression and impulse control issues that alienate family and loved ones
  • Abrupt personality change
  • Deterioration in coordination, balance and motor skills requiring hospitalization
  • Loss of speech ability and other high cognitive functions
  • Death

Traumatic brain injuries can cause epilepsy and can increase the risk of developing other neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.