Understanding TBI Symptoms

Assessing the Severity of Brain Injuries

A moderate brain injury is defined as a brain injury resulting in a loss of consciousness ranging from 20 minutes up to six hours. A severe brain injury is defined as a brain injury resulting in a loss of consciousness in excess of six hours. How the injury affects the individual, and the symptoms they experience, will depend on:

• The severity of the initial injury
• Functions affected
• Resources available to aid recovery
• The rate of recovery

In severe cases, patients might develop related conditions such as peripheral or central vestibular disorder. 

Red Flags: Life-Threatening TBI Symptoms

Head injuries can result in a dangerous blood clot or swelling that puts pressure on the brain. These conditions can be life-threatening. Red flags that you need to go to the emergency room right away include:

• A persistent headache that gets worse
• Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
• Slurred speech
• Vomiting or nausea

Cognitive Deficiencies

A hallmark of TBI is the processing problems that victims endure. Victims often find that it is harder to perform complex and even simple cognitive tasks. These individuals may experience difficulty in several areas, including:

• Attention
• Speed of processing
• Concentration
• Memory
• Confusion

Language processing, including speaking, reading, and writing, can also become more difficult. Patients might also have trouble with executive functioning skills, such as organization and self-regulation.

Social & Emotional Disruptions

TBI victims can also endure personality changes connected to their injury. Common social and emotional effects of TBI include:

• Irritability
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Aggression
• Dependent behaviors
• Lack of motivation

Sensory & Physical Effects

There are also a host of sensory and physical changes connected to TBI, such as:

• Visual disturbances, such as blurred or double vision
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Increased sensitivity to sounds
• Decrease or loss of vision, hearing, smell, or taste
• Difficulty interpreting sensations, such as touch, temperature, movement, and limb position
• Seizures
• Chronic pain
• Sleep disorders
• Fatigue
• Appetite changes

Many of these symptoms are similar to the effects of inner ear injuries, which typically impact balance and orientation.

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy

People who have a history of multiple brain injuries, particularly athletes, can develop a progressive degenerative brain disease called Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). CTE symptoms can arise months or even decades after the last instance of brain trauma, and may include:

• Memory loss
• Impaired judgment
• Lack of impulse control
• Confusion
• Aggression
• Depression
• Suicidal ideation

This disease can result from symptomatic concussions or asymptomatic subconcussive head injuries, which do not produce any symptoms. Sufferers experience a progressive degeneration of the brain tissue itself, as well as the build-up of an abnormal protein called tau. 

How Long Do Symptoms Last?

Symptoms of TBI manifest differently for each person. In some individuals, effects appear right away, such as loss of consciousness or confusion. Other victims may feel fine initially only to experience signs of a brain injury, like cognitive impairment and fatigue, days or even weeks later.

Our attorneys are familiar with symptoms of brain injuries and coordinate with specialists who can fully evaluate your condition.

The duration of symptoms tends to correlate with the severity of the injury. More severe injuries may present symptoms for a longer period of time – potentially, for life. That said, sometimes people with mild TBI experience symptoms for years or even decades. Additionally, different symptoms can come and go over time.

Live Fully Despite the Effects of TBI

Despite the challenges brain injury patients face, they can live functional and productive lives. The personal injury attorneys at Quick Law Group are here to support TBI victims with outstanding legal representation so they can focus on healing. Call (425) 576-8150 or reaching out to us online to book your free consultation.