After suffering from a traumatic brain injury, you will likely experience symptoms indicating the damage done. These symptoms may differ from person to person, and depend on various factors.
However, there are certain symptoms that are more common than others. These act as indicators about the severity of the injury you face. But what are they?
Physical symptoms
Mayo Clinic examines the signs of traumatic brain injuries, also known as TBIs. The symptoms related to TBIs are often easiest to pick out. Due to the damage that causes the TBI in the first place, the effects are prominent and often have a quick onset.
You are most likely to notice physical effects first, as they are most visible. For example, victims may experience disordered consciousness. This can mean passing out, blacking out or even entering a comatose state. Some leak clear fluid from their ears or nose. Others may experience nausea and vomiting.
Some physical signs are less apparent to the observer, though. A victim might experience intense head pain that worsens over time. Issues with sensory input and extremities is common, too. Many experience numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. Others may experience sensory issues such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or disordered taste.
Non-physical signs of TBIs
Pay attention for mental and behavioral signs, too. The two often go hand in hand. For example, a victim might suffer from memory loss and intense confusion. This might lead them to behave in an aggressive manner toward loved ones trying to get them help. This is often hard to deal with, but you should get the victim to medical care as soon as possible.
