Common Signs and Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) results from a forceful impact to the head or body that causes the brain to move, twist, or suffer damage from sharp or blunt trauma This can range from mild to severe and sometimes lead to lasting impairment

How a TBI Can Emerge

In some cases symptoms appear immediately after impact In other cases they may come on gradually in the hours, days, or even weeks following the injury Certain circumstances like being struck by an object, experiencing sudden deceleration, or suffering a penetration injury increase the risk of serious damage

Symptoms of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

People with mild TBI often show one or more of the following:

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Drowsiness or feeling unusually sleepy
• Trouble speaking clearly or slurred speech
• Problems with balance or coordination
• Sensory issues like sensitivity to light, sound, taste, smell or touch
• Confusion or disorientation
• Memory problems, such as forgetting the event or having difficulty recalling recent information
• Mood changes including depression, irritability or anxiety
• Sleep disturbances such as sleeping more than usual or trouble sleeping

Symptoms of Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

When the injury is more serious the symptoms may be more intense or persistent In addition to mild symptoms a person might also experience:

• Loss of consciousness for a longer period
• Very severe and persistent headaches
• Repeated vomiting or ongoing nausea
• Seizures or convulsions
• Unusual dilation of the pupils or changes in how the eyes respond to light
• Leak of fluids from ears or nose, which may suggest brain swelling or bleeding
• Inability to wake up or extreme lethargy
• Loss of coordination or difficulty carrying out ordinary movements
• Profound confusion, disorientation, or inability to think clearly

Symptoms in Children

TBIs in children can look different because young people may have trouble communicating what they feel Some signs to watch for include:

• Excessive irritability or mood changes
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Difficulty eating or changes in appetite
• Unusual sleep patterns, such as sleeping far more or far less than before
• Increased drowsiness or lethargy
• Difficulty paying attention or responding normally

Why Recognizing Symptoms Matters

Prompt recognition and treatment are essential because delaying care can lead to worse outcomes Ongoing damage, permanent deficits, or complications may arise if symptoms are ignored or minimized Early diagnosis and medical intervention can reduce risk of lasting brain injury as well as improve chances for recovery

How Hillstone Law Can Help

If you suspect you or a loved one has experienced a traumatic brain injury because of someone else’s negligence Hillstone Law can assist with:

• Helping you understand which symptoms are medically significant
• Gathering medical evidence, imaging, and expert opinions to document your injury
• Ensuring your rights are protected and participating in insurance claims or legal proceedings
• Pursuing full compensation including medical costs, long-term care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and non-economic losses