Most of the case traumatic brain injury are caused by a forceful hit or bump to the head or body. Traumatic brain injury can also result from an object piercing the brain, such as a bullet or a broken cranium.
Your brain cells may be momentarily affected by mild traumatic brain injury. Severe traumatic brain injury can cause bleeding, bruising, torn tissues, and other physical brain damage. These wounds may cause fatalities or long-term problems.
Symptoms
A traumatic brain injury can result in a variety of psychological and physical consequences. Following the traumatic event, some signs or symptoms might show up right away, while others might take days or weeks to show up.
Mild traumatic brain injury
The following are possible indicators and symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury:
Physical signs and symptoms
- Head Pain
- Vomiting or feeling queasy
- Tiredness or somnolence
- Speech issues
- Lightheadedness or unsteadiness
Symptoms with senses
- Sensory issues, such as changes in smell, ringing in the ears, bad taste in the mouth, or blurred vision
- Intolerance for light or sound
Behavioral, mental, or cognitive symptoms
- Unconsciousness lasting anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes
- Not unconsciousness, but a dazed, confused, or disoriented state
- Issues with focus or memory
- Mood fluctuations or shifts
- Having anxiety or depression
- Having trouble falling asleep
- More sleep than usual
Trauma to the brain that is moderate to severe
Any of the indicators and symptoms of a mild injury, as well as the following symptoms that could manifest in the initial hours or days following a head injury, can indicate a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury:
Physical signs and symptoms
- Unconsciousness lasting several minutes to several hours
- Headache that never goes away or gets worse
- Nausea or vomiting episodes that repeat
- Seizures or convulsions
- Dilatation of one or both of the eye’s pupils
- Transparent liquids coming out of the ears or nose
- Lack of energy to wake up Weakness or numbness in the fingers and toes
- Decrease in coordination
Mental or cognitive symptoms
- Deep confusion
- Combativeness, agitation, or other odd behavior
- Slurred words
- Coma and additional consciousness disorders
Symptoms in children
Young children and infants suffering from brain injuries may not be able to express symptoms such as headaches, confusion, or sensory issues. When a child suffers from traumatic brain injury, you might notice:
- Modifications to feeding or nursing practices
- Atypical or prone to irritability
- Crying all the time and not being able to get comfort
- Modification in attentional capacity
- Alteration in sleeping patterns
- Convulsions
- Feeling down or depressed
- Feeling sleepy
- Loss of enthusiasm for favored games or pastimes
When to visit a physician
If you or your child has suffered a blow to the head or body that worries you or results in changes in behavior, you should always consult a doctor. After a recent blow to the head or other traumatic injury, seek emergency medical attention if you experience any signs or symptoms of traumatic brain injury.
Three classifications are used to characterize the impact of the injury on brain function: mild, moderate, and severe. Even a small brain injury still warrants immediate medical attention and a precise diagnosis.
