A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, occurs when brain cells are damaged from trauma to the head. This can result from a blow or jolt to the head or body, such as in a motor vehicle accident, fall, sports injury, or explosive blast. Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can be severe to mild and can affect a person physically, cognitively, and emotionally.
What are typical Symptoms?
There are a wide range of symptoms that may occur following a brain injury. A person with a TBI can experience only a few symptoms or they may experience many different types of symptoms. Below are lists of different physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms a person may experience after a TBI.
Physical Symptoms
- Loss of consciousness for minutes to hours
- Drowsiness
- Persistent or worsening headache
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Seizures
- Dilation of one or both pupils of the eye
- Weakness or numbness of the arms or legs
- Loss of coordination
- Slurred speech
Cognitive/Emotional Symptoms
- Confusion
- Difficulty paying attention
- Difficulty with communication
- Agitation, combativeness, or unusual irritability
- Persistent crying
- Inability to be consoled
- Depressed mood
When to seek treatment
Anyone who experiences a blow to the head or body that results in a loss of consciousness, even for a few seconds, should be immediately evaluated by a physician.
Even if there is no loss of consciousness, a person should be evaluated by a physician if they are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above after a blow or jolt to the head or body.
A neurologist will be a vital part of your recovery team to help with diagnosis and medical management of symptoms that may persist long term.
How to treat symptoms of TBI
Some symptoms of a TBI may resolve quickly, but other symptoms may need short or long-term treatment to be addressed. Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists are specially trained to address physical and cognitive symptoms that can occur after a TBI. Depending on the cognitive and emotional symptoms presenting, assessments with a neuropsychologist, professional counselor, and/or social worker may also be required to help regulate mood and behavioral changes.
In short, a traumatic brain injury can cause mild to moderate physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms after a blow or jolt to the head or body. Even if your symptoms are mild, it is important to see medical attention because professionals such as neurologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, neuropsychologists, professional counselors, and social workers can help you get back to feeling yourself!
1. Traumatic Brain Injury. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557. Published Feb 4, 2021.
