Traumatic brain injuries are surprisingly common. This is because a TBI can be caused by any violent jolt, blow or penetration to the head or body. Even a mild jolt or blow to the head can cause a TBI to any Louisianan.
TBI symptoms
TBI symptoms depend on whether the TBI is minor or major, but their symptoms can range from physical to psychological effects. Though, while many think TBI symptoms occur immediately, that is not always the case. Sometimes, TBI symptoms take hours, days or even, weeks to manifest.
Minor TBIs
Minor TBIs generally only affect the brain temporarily. Minor or mild TBIs, generally, have some physical symptoms, like drowsiness or fatigue, headaches, nausea, speech problems, dizziness, loss of senses (ringing ears, blurred visions, etc.) and light and sound sensitivity. Some cognitive issues can also manifest, like behavioral or mental issues. You could even lose consciousness, but more commonly, a minor TBI victim will be dazed, disoriented or confused. Subsequently, there may be mood swings, along with concentration and memory issues, along with depression and anxiousness.
Moderate to major TBIs
Of course, moderate, major or severe TBIs can have the same symptoms as a minor TBI. However, they are more severe and last longer. This includes losing consciousness for several minutes to hours. Headaches usually last for much longer or get progressively worse. Nausea and vomiting continue, and sometimes, convulsions and seizures can result.
More signs of a worse TBI
Some signs of a major TBI are a clear fluid draining from the ears or nose, and the dilation of one or both pupils. Often, those with a severe TBI cannot fall asleep, and they have numbness throughout their body or extremities. This, in turn, usually leads to a loss of coordination. Victims also commonly have slurred speech, profound confusion and exhibit unusual, combative behavior.
What about children?
Children can have these exact same symptoms, but if they are too young to communicate, then it is much harder to tell they have a TBI. Signs to look out for include irritability, nursing or eating habit changes, an inability to be consoled and an inability to pay attention. They often cannot maintain eye contact, have changes in their sleep patterns (inability to sleep) and can exhibit physical symptoms, like seizures. This is why it is so important to seek medical attention immediately after any type of accident, fall or head trauma.