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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Clayton T. Hasbrook who has years of legal experience as a personal injury lawyer. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.
Suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be a life-altering experience. From mild concussions to severe trauma, these injuries require prompt diagnosis and proper treatment to avoid potentially serious long-term effects.
If you suspect a TBI, your priority is getting the medical care you need.
What Causes TBI?
Some common causes of traumatic brain injuries include:
- Car, motorcycle, and bike accidents
- Slips, falls, and impacts during sports
- Workplace accidents involving falls from height or being struck by objects
- Physical violence, child abuse, domestic violence
- Explosive blasts from warzones or terrorism
- Severe shaking or forceful hitting of a child’s head
Understanding what may have caused the TBI can help medical professionals evaluate the injury and likely symptoms.
Physical Symptoms of TBI
Traumatic brain injuries can cause immediate physical symptoms like:
- Headaches – ranging from mild to excruciating.
- Dizziness and loss of balance or coordination.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Sensitivity to light and sound.
- Temporary loss of consciousness – a sign of serious injury.
In addition to these instant symptoms, some physical effects take time to develop or worsen like:
- Persistent or worsening headaches.
- Seizures – a potential complication.
- Fluid buildup in the brain.
- Impaired motor skills, weakness, or numbness.
- Blurred or double vision.
Doctors may conduct imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs to diagnose the extent of physical trauma and check for internal bleeding, bruising, or swelling.
Cognitive Changes
Cognitive testing helps identify impaired abilities, while cognitive rehabilitation aims to restore lost skills and develop coping strategies. But recovery takes time, specialist care, and ongoing patience. Alongside physical symptoms, cognitive problems frequently occur:
- Memory loss – Difficulty recalling recent events or retaining new information. Everyday activities that depend on memory become frustrating struggles.
- Concentration challenges – The inability to focus or pay attention makes work and school difficult. Multi-tasking becomes nearly impossible.
- Communication difficulties – Finding the right words in conversation or understanding what others say can deteriorate with TBI. This impedes relationships.
- Impaired decision-making – Weighing risks and options to make sound choices becomes challenging. Second-guessing decisions leads to anxiety.
Emotional and Behavioral Changes
Traumatic brain injuries frequently spark emotional and behavioral changes. These changes place immense strain on relationships. Support from loved ones is vital throughout the recovery process. Seeking counseling can also help manage emotional health. Behavioral changes include:
- Irritability, aggression, and angry outbursts.
- Anxiety, depression, and heightened sensitivity.
- Withdrawal from friends, family, and favorite activities.
- Impulsive or inappropriate actions.
- Difficulty regulating emotions.
Sleep Disturbances
Disruptions to normal sleep patterns frequently occur post-TBI:
- Insomnia – Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
- Fatigue – Feeling abnormally drained and sleepy.
- Frequent nighttime waking.
- Decreased sleep quality.
Proper rest is essential for cognitive function and emotional well-being. Those struggling with sleep after TBI should seek medical help. Treatment options aim to improve sleep quality through medications, therapy, and sleep hygiene techniques.
Unique Symptoms in Children
Children and infants react differently to traumatic brain injuries compared to adults. Take any regression in your child’s behavior seriously. Consult a pediatrician promptly if TBI is suspected. Early intervention can help minimize long-term developmental impacts. Watch for these age-specific signs:
- Crankiness, agitation, and frequent tantrums – signs of irritation or pain.
- Excessive sleepiness or difficulty waking.
- Lack of interest in toys, games, and activities they previously enjoyed.
- Loss of newly acquired skills – e.g., reverting to bedwetting.
- Delayed learning or decreased academic performance.
The Importance of Prompt Medical Attention
Seeking immediate medical help upon suspecting a TBI is crucial. Here’s why:
- Earlier treatment improves outcomes. The “golden window” for intervention is often considered the first 4-6 hours post-injury.
- Doctors can rule out bleeding or other complications requiring emergency care – e.g., blood clots, swelling, bruising.
- Even mild TBIs require monitoring and management to prevent worsening symptoms.
- Ongoing rehabilitation and treatment work best when started early.
Diagnosis and Testing
Diagnostic steps help identify the type and severity of the injury so the ideal treatment plan can be created. To diagnose a TBI, doctors may:
- Ask about symptoms and how the injury occurred.
- Conduct physical and neurological exams to assess function.
- Imaging tests like CT scans and MRIs can be used to view the brain.
- Perform cognitive assessments to measure thinking abilities.
Treatment and Rehabilitation
Treating TBIs involves coordinated specialty care like:
Medications to reduce swelling, headaches, sleep issues, and other symptoms. Caution is required to avoid over-medication.
Occupational therapy is used to regain function in daily activities like dressing, cooking, driving, and returning to work.
Physical therapy to improve gross motor skills, strength, balance, and coordination.
Speech therapy to manage communication, swallowing, and cognition issues.
Vision rehabilitation, including eye movement therapies and prism lenses to treat focus and visual processing problems.
Neuropsychological testing and therapy to help manage cognitive, behavioral, and emotional changes.
Patience and participation are essential, as rehabilitation can take months or years, depending on injury severity.
Seeking Support for Recovery
Coping with TBI-related symptoms and changes to your life can feel overwhelming. Support is essential during this challenging time.
- Join a support group – Connect with fellow TBI survivors who understand your experience. Discuss challenges and exchange advice.
- Seek counseling – A therapist can help manage emotional struggles and build coping strategies. Cognitive behavioral therapy is often suggested.
- Rely on loved ones – Explain your needs clearly to family and friends. Their empathy and willingness to help foster rehabilitation.
- Find an advocate – Many hospitals have specialized TBI case managers who guide survivors through treatment and connect them to resources.
Managing Symptoms at Home
Managing symptoms at home can make a big difference between doctor’s appointments. These minor lifestyle adjustments can bring significant improvements to managing TBI recovery:
- Avoid screens, bright lights, and noisy environments, which can worsen headaches, dizziness, and sensory sensitivity.
- Use a planner, calendar, and checklists to compensate for memory and concentration challenges.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol, which can exacerbate headaches and dizziness.
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule and winding down routine to improve sleep quality.
- Journal moods and behaviors to identify triggers and patterns.
Long-Term Effects of TBI
While most traumatic brain injury symptoms improve over time, some impacts can last months or years:
Financial Effects
- Medical bills from hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication costs can be financially devastating. Sequences.
- Lost income due to inability to work or reduced working hours further strains budgets.
- Legal assistance may be needed to pursue financial compensation and aid recovery.
Emotional Impact
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression are common after-effects, requiring ongoing therapy and treatment.
- Coping with personality changes strains relationships with loved ones.
- Patience is required to adjust to a “new normal” during recovery.
Physical Effects
- Headaches, dizziness, and cognitive impairment may persist long after initial recovery.
- Some patients experience seizures, speech impediments, or partial paralysis years later.
- Vision, hearing, and balance issues are also common long-term effects.
