How to Recognize the Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury

The brain is a critical organ, responsible for the function of every body system as well as our cognitive ability and emotions. When the brain suffers an injury, the effects go far beyond the location of the initial head injury and impact the function of other body systems. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain resulting either from blunt force trauma to the head, a sudden powerful jolt that shakes the brain inside the skull, or a penetrating injury when a foreign object breaks through the skull and enters the brain.

Traumatic brain injuries most commonly result from falls, car accidents, sports injuries, and violence. It’s important to recognize the signs of a traumatic brain injury since these injuries aren’t always immediately apparent except in the most severe cases of sudden massive damage. In other circumstances, a brain injury can develop within hours or days after an accident as bleeding, bruising, and swelling cause damage to delicate brain cells.

Signs of a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

The symptoms of a TBI may vary depending on the severity of the injury and the part of the brain that sustains the injury. A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that may or may not begin with a loss of consciousness immediately after the injury. Symptoms may develop during the hours or days after the injury including:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Blurred vision
• Nausea/vomiting
• Lightheadedness
• Ringing in the ears
• Drowsiness
• Light sensitivity
• Problems with memory and concentration
• Mood changes
• Sleep problems
• A bad taste in the mouth

Though concussions are common mild brain injuries and most people fully recover, current research shows that repeated concussions can lead to a form of dementia later in life.

Signs of a Moderate to Severe TBI

When an injury victim suffers a more severe TBI, they may experience a longer period of lost consciousness after the injury and may experience many of the above symptoms. In addition, symptoms of a moderate to severe TBI include:

• Persistent and/or worsening headache
• Vision problems
• Dilated pupils in one or both eyes
• Vomiting or persistent nausea
• Seizures
• Confusion, agitation, or amnesia
• Loss of coordination
• Slurred speech or other speech difficulties

It’s a traumatic experience to suffer a potentially life-changing injury. Suffering a traumatic brain injury may require a long period of rehabilitation and speech, occupational and physical therapies. Expenses may be piling up at the same time you aren’t able to return to work. When this type of devastating accident occurs due to the actions or negligence of someone else, a San Diego personal injury lawyer can help you recover losses related to the injury.