A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can happen when a violent blow or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. Getting hit in the head during a car accident, slip, and fall, assault, blast, or sports collision often causes these injuries. Even a mild TBI can leave patients struggling with frustrating post-concussion symptoms for weeks or months.
Learning to manage common issues like headaches, dizziness, mood swings, and cognitive impairment helps smooth the recovery process.
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Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms and Their Effects
Traumatic brain injury symptoms stem from both the initial physical damage and chemical changes in the brain. The sudden trauma literally pulls, bruises, or tears delicate brain tissue. It also sets off an inflammatory response and oxidative stress that disrupts cellular communication. Neurons struggle to send normal nerve signals, so multiple areas of brain function inevitably suffer. Victims usually cope with issues such as the following:
Headaches and Mental Fogginess
Getting frequent tension-type headaches is a hallmark sign of TBI. These throbbing, piercing, or pressure-like headaches tend to start shortly after the injury. Mental fogginess and grogginess typically accompany them.
Tasks requiring concentration, like reading, working, or driving, can worsen head pain and cloudy thinking. Some patients also report light and noise sensitivity. Treating headaches right away with OTC meds may provide some relief.
Balance and Coordination Problems
Trauma can degrade areas of the brain vital for smooth body movements. Patients often feel physically clumsy right after TBI with equilibrium issues, loss of coordination and unsteady walking. Quick position changes can trigger vertigo and severe dizziness as well. The fuzziness also impairs hand-eye coordination needed for sports, playing music, driving, etc.
Therapy retrains the brain to process balance and spatial information correctly again. Starting with simpler actions instead of multi-step movements helps minimize frustration.
Agitation and Impulse Control Issues
For many patients, trouble regulating their emotions properly follows TBI. They may fly off the handle over minor upsets or laugh hysterically at inappropriate times. Labile moods frequently shift between crankiness, giddiness, anger, and sadness. Caregivers also observe more impulsive behaviors like sudden shopping sprees.
Ignoring social boundaries stems from impaired judgment centers in the injured brain. Tracking moods and providing gentle reminders helps loved ones regain control. Record-keeping apps now exist, too.
Memory Loss and Cognitive Slowing
Patients quickly realize their recall, critical thinking, and reasoning skills aren’t as sharp post-injury either. They often forget recent conversations or events and draw frustrating mental blanks. Quick thinking and processing complex information slows down dramatically.
Memorizing numbers and instructions becomes nearly impossible without constant repetition. Comprehending abstract concepts also declines. Caregivers should try to be patient when communicating to help reduce stress for all involved.
When To Consult a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
For many people, recovering from a TBI is a long and costly road. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, consulting a TBI lawyer may help cover these expenses.
An experienced attorney can evaluate if you have a case to get compensation and walk you through the process. Especially in severe cases needing lifelong care, a TBI lawyer can fight to make sure your medical bills and lost income are taken care of.
The Bottom Line
TBI injuries require serious medical attention, given how complex they are and the range of possible effects. Learning to identify traumatic brain injury symptoms and potential problems, getting assessed quickly, and keeping an open dialogue with healthcare providers and legal help, if warranted, can significantly impact outcomes for TBI victims.