Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Whether the result of a crash, violence, fall, or explosive blast, traumatic brain injury can cause extensive physical and psychological effects. Because the brain controls movement, behavior, thought, and sensation, any trauma to this vital organ can cause long-lasting effects. Depending on the severity of brain injury, a victim may experience a host of symptoms. A mild traumatic brain injury, also known as a concussion, includes the following signs and symptoms:

· A brief period of unconsciousness

· Amnesia for events immediately before and after the injury

· Headache

· Confusion

· Dizziness or loss of balance

· Sensory problems, such as blurred vision, ringing in the ears or bad taste in the mouth

· Mood changes

· Memory or concentration problems

However, when the injury is moderate to severe, the signs and symptoms also grow in severity to include the following:

· Persistent headache

· Repeated vomiting or nausea

· Inability to awaken from sleep

· Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes

· Slurred speech

· Weakness or numbness in the extremities

· Loss of coordination

· Profound confusion

· Agitation, combativeness

Always check with a doctor if you have experienced a blow to the head and suspect traumatic brain injury. Emergency care is critical if convulsions, weakness or numbness in the extremities, repeated vomiting, or slurred speech result from the blow.