Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can have a wide range of physical and psychological effects. Some signs or symptoms may appear immediately after the traumatic event, while others may appear days or weeks later, or may even be missed as people may look fine even though they may act or feel differently.
Mild traumatic brain injury may affect your brain cells temporarily. By contrast, severe TBI can result in bruising, bleeding, torn tissues, and other physical damage to the brain. These injuries can lead to long-term complications or death.
From our team of personal injury attorneys at the Austin, Texas-based Stewart Law Firm, here are the signs and symptoms to watch out for when you think you may be facing a TBI.
Common signs and symptoms of mild traumatic brain injuries
TBIs occur after a blow or jolt to the head. Any accident that involves blunt force trauma to the head, such as a car accident, sports accident, or something similar, may result in a TBI.
Luckily, not all TBIs result in serious, long-term issues, and plenty of people recover from a TBI with proper medical and legal assistance.
Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of milder TBIs:
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- No loss of consciousness, but a state of being confused, dazed, or disoriented
- Loss of consciousness for a few seconds to a few minutes
- Speech issues
- Sleeping difficulties’
- Sleeping more than usual
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensory issues, including blurred vision, ringing in the ears, changes in the ability to smell, or a bad taste in your mouth
- Depression or anxiety
- Memory or concentration issues
- Mood swings or mood changes
Concussions are often referred to as mild TBIs, as well.
Common signs and symptoms of moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries
Unfortunately, TBIs can also be very severe and lead to long-lasting symptoms and issues.
Here are some things to watch out for in moderate to severe TBIs:
- Loss of consciousness for several minutes to hours
- Coma and other disorders of consciousness
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Headache that gets worse or won’t go away
- Convulsions or seizures
- Slurred speech
- Loss of coordination
- Numbness or weakness in fingers and toes
- Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes
- Clear fluids draining from the ears or nose
- Inability to awaken from sleep
- Agitation, combativeness, or other unusual behavior
- Immense confusion
Common signs and symptoms of traumatic brain injuries experienced by children
Children are often at a higher risk for TBIs due to their rambunctious ways and still-developing bodies and brains.
If you think your child might be affected by a traumatic brain injury, be on the lookout for these symptoms:
- Changes in eating or nursing habits
- Changes in attention span; lack of interest in favorite activity or toy
- Changes in the way the child plays
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Persistent crying or irritability; inability to be consoled
- Loss of balance or unsteady walking
- Loss of skill, such as using the toilet
- Tiredness or listlessness
- Vomiting
- Sad or depressed mood
- Changes in academic performance
As soon as you or your child has received a blow to the head or body that concerns you or results in behavioral changes. If there are any signs or symptoms of TBI following a recent blow or another type of traumatic injury, seek emergency medical attention.
Contact The Stewart Law Firm Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury because of someone else’s negligence in Austin, TX, contact our experienced brain injury attorneys at The Stewart Law Firm as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
