Mild brain injuries can cause temporary dysfunction, but serious TBIs may involve bruising, torn tissue, bleeding, and serious damage that can result in severe and permanent disability.
Traumatic brain injuries often go undiagnosed and thus untreated. The signs of injury may not appear until days or even months later, and may be quite subtle. For those who have suffered a blow to the head, whiplash in a car accident, or a similar injury, it is important to see a doctor immediately after the accident. Victims should also monitor themselves during the time after sustaining a head injury to watch for signs of a possible TBI.
Causes of Brain and Head Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are generally caused by a blow or jolt to the head or body, or by an object, such as bullet or piece of skull, penetrating the skull. If an object, such as bullet, penetrates the skull, it can cause severe damage to brain cells, protective tissues, and blood vessels. Injuries resulting in bleeding around the brain, swelling, or blood clots can disrupt a victim’s oxygen supply.
Leading causes of TBI include:
- Falls, whether out of bed, in the bath, down stairs, from ladders, etc.;
- Car, motorcycle, or bicycle accidents and accidents involving pedestrians;
- Sports injuries, which are generally more serious among youth and especially in high-impact sports;
- Assault and violence, including domestic abuse, child abuse, shaken baby syndrome, and gunshot wounds;
- Blasts or explosions, which are common in active-duty military; and
- Birth injuries, which may result from the improper use of forceps or a vacuum, or from oxygen deprivation.
Children under age four, young adults between 15 and 24, and the elderly above age 75 are especially at risk for traumatic brain injuries.
Symptoms of Mild Brain Injuries
Brain injuries are generally classified as either mild, moderate, or severe. Mild brain injuries can have varied and serious physical symptoms, including:
- Loss of consciousness;
- Dizziness or loss of balance;
- Disorientation or confusion;
- Headaches;
- Drowsiness;
- Nausea or vomiting; and
- Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping.
There are also several sensory symptoms that frequently result from a mild TBI, including:
- Blurred vision;
- Changes in the ability to smell;
- Ringing in the ears;
- A bad taste in the mouth;
- Increased sensitivity to sound or light; and
- Other sensory problems or disruptions.
Cognitive symptoms are also common in TBIs, and may include:
- Problems with concentration;
- Memory loss;
- Sudden mood swings; and
- Feelings of depression or anxiety.
Symptoms of Moderate and Severe Brain Injuries
Moderate and severe brain injuries can result in any of the same symptoms as are caused by mild TBIs. They also involve a risk of more serious symptoms, including:
- Prolonged loss of consciousness;
- Coma;
- Convulsions or seizures;
- Persistent headaches;
- Repeated nausea;
- Dilation of pupils;
- Loss of coordination;
- Numbness in the extremities;
- Clear fluids draining from the ears or nose;
- Problems with waking up;
- Profound confusion;
- Slurred speech; and
- Unusual behavior, including agitation or combativeness.
TBI Symptoms in Young Children
Infants and young children are especially vulnerable to traumatic brain injuries. Additionally, because of their young age, they may not have the ability to report symptoms such as headaches or confusion to their parents. Parents of children who have sustained injuries or blows to the head must monitor their children for TBI by looking for signs of:
- Changed sleep habits;
- Changes in appetite or eating habits;
- Unusual irritability;
- Distractedness or inability to pay attention;
- Sadness;
- Persistent crying; or
- Loss of interest in favorite activities or toys.
