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Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most serious injuries a person can suffer. Even mild brain injuries can cause substantial problems in multiple areas of life, and severe ones can make everyday functioning difficult or impossible. 

FAQ About Traumatic Brain Injuries 

What are the early signs of a traumatic brain injury?

Early signs of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or sound, trouble concentrating, and changes in sleep patterns. Symptoms may appear immediately or develop hours or days after a head injury. 

Can you have a traumatic brain injury without losing consciousness?

Yes. Many people with a traumatic brain injury never lose consciousness. Even a mild TBI, such as a concussion, can cause serious symptoms without a blackout, which is why medical evaluation is critical after any head impact. 

How long do symptoms of a traumatic brain injury last?

The duration of TBI symptoms depends on the severity of the injury. Mild TBIs may resolve within weeks, while moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries can cause symptoms that last months or become permanent. Some effects may worsen or emerge over time. 

When should I seek medical attention for a head injury?

You should seek medical attention immediately after any head injury, especially if you experience vomiting, worsening headaches, confusion, seizures, weakness, mood changes, or clear fluid coming from the nose or ears. Prompt treatment can prevent life-threatening complications. 

What is the difference between a mild and severe traumatic brain injury?

A mild traumatic brain injury may cause short-term symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or memory issues, while severe TBIs can result in prolonged unconsciousness, seizures, significant cognitive impairment, and long-term disability. Only a medical professional can determine the injury’s severity. 

Can traumatic brain injury symptoms get worse over time?

Yes. In some cases, traumatic brain injury symptoms can worsen due to brain swelling, bleeding, or delayed complications. This is why follow-up care and monitoring are essential, even if symptoms initially seem minor. 

What should I do if my traumatic brain injury was caused by an accident or assault?

If your traumatic brain injury resulted from a car accident, fall, assault, or another incident caused by someone else’s negligence, you should seek immediate medical care and speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. Legal guidance can help you pursue compensation for medical costs, lost income, and long-term care needs. 

TBIs can present very different symptoms, and they don’t always reveal themselves right away. If you suspect that you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs. 

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury? 

A traumatic brain injury arises when someone suffers an impact to the head or experiences a sudden jolt that causes the brain to collide with the inside of the skull. It can also happen when an object penetrates the skull. Here are a few common examples: 

• Your head strikes the inside of your vehicle in a car accident 
• You fall from a ladder and hit your head on the ground 
• You’re the victim of a gunshot wound or physical assault 

It’s impossible to determine the severity of a head injury without seeing a doctor. If you think you may have sustained a TBI, you should visit an emergency room or urgent care center immediately. 

How to Recognize the Signs of a TBI 

According to the Mayo Clinic, traumatic brain injuries can present a few common symptoms of varying severity. Here’s what to look for: 

Signs of a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury 

Mild TBIs can come with a range of physical, sensory, mental, and behavioral symptoms. Examples include: 

• Nausea and vomiting 
• Drowsiness 
• Dizziness or loss of balance 
• Problems with speech or hearing 
• Blurry vision 
• Other sensory issues (like sudden changes in your ability to smell) 
• Sensitivity to sound and light 
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping more than normal 
• Problems with memory or concentration 

Mild TBIs can sometimes involve losing consciousness for anywhere from seconds to minutes. However, you don’t have to lose consciousness for your injury to be considered a TBI. 

Signs of Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries 

If you have a moderate or severe TBI, you could have all of the aforementioned symptoms as well as the following: 

• Persistent nausea or repeated vomiting 
• Seizures or convulsions 
• Dilation of one or both pupils 
• Clear fluid coming out of your nose or ears 
• Coordination problems 
• A persistent headache or one that gradually gets worse 
• Aggression or changes in mood or personality 
• Numbness or weakness in your extremities 

Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries could also cause you to lose consciousness for anywhere from several minutes to hours. 

What Is the Prognosis for a TBI? 

Because the symptoms can vary so much based on the severity of the injury and what part of the brain was damaged, the prognosis for a TBI is highly individualized. Mild TBIs may heal completely with rest and time. However, severe TBIs often lead to long-term challenges, such as: 

• Difficulty thinking and remembering 
• Mobility issues 
• Headaches and vision problems 
• Mood or behavioral issues 

These issues can be life-altering. For instance, if you previously held a job that required you to exercise critical thinking skills, you may be unable to return to work after sustaining a TBI. Similarly, issues with memory and vision can make everyday tasks like reading or grocery shopping impossible. 

If you have a brain injury, your doctor can give you a clear idea of what your prognosis is. You can improve your recovery prospects by attending follow-up appointments and following your doctor’s instructions. 

Why Immediate Medical Attention Is So Critical 

Any time you suffer a serious injury, seeking prompt medical attention is essential. This is especially true in the case of a TBI. If you end up with a head injury and don’t see a doctor, your brain may continue to swell, and the increasing pressure could result in permanent disabilities or even death. 

Getting medical attention right away is important even for mild to moderate TBIs. In some cases, symptoms could take hours or days to show up. The sooner a doctor assesses your injury and creates a customized treatment plan for you, the better your outcome is likely to be. 

Have You Suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury? 

If you’ve suffered a brain injury because of someone else’s negligent or malicious actions, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the financial, emotional, and physical burden alone. 

We believe in holding people and organizations accountable for their actions, and we may be able to help you recover compensation to cover your medical bills, lost income, and other losses. Contact Silberstein & Miklos today to schedule your free consultation.