Have you or a loved one experienced head trauma during an accident? If so, you should be on the lookout for signs of TBI.
Traumatic brain injuries can cause symptoms like dizziness, headaches, seizures, and chronic pain. But these are not the TBI symptoms you should look out for. There are plenty of signs and warnings that you need to see a brain specialist, especially if you pay close attention to your body.
In this article, we’ll go over 5 signs you have a traumatic brain injury and how to get everything you need to make a full recovery.
Page Contents
1. Loss of Consciousness and Post-Injury Amnesia
Experiencing a blow to the head can give you temporary vision problems, leave you with a ringing headache, and disorient you. That said, loss of consciousness is atop the list of most telling symptoms of traumatic brain injury.
The brain can be divided into three main sections: the right hemisphere, left hemisphere, and brainstem. When you get knocked out, it means that both hemispheres or part of the brainstem is completely offline.
A heavy blow can also lead to temporary, extended, or long-term amnesia. If you experience this symptom, seeing a medical expert and following their advice to a tee is important.
If It Goes Untreated…
If not addressed or treated, both loss of consciousness and amnesia can cause cognitive issues and impair your brain ability.
In addition to exacerbating symptoms like the ability to process information, you can also experience long-term memory deficits. And the more time passes without getting treated, the higher the risk of cognitive decline.
Next Steps
The first thing you should do after experiencing a bad blow to the head is seek medical attention and consult with a physician to identify signs of a TBI early on.
Depending on the severity of your TBI, your doctor may prescribe imaging like a CT or MRI scan. Keep in mind that there is no treatment for a TBI, so it’s important to focus on your rehabilitation, retrain your memory, and recover your cognitive skills.
2. Light and Sound Sensitivity
If you suffer a TBI, the chances of experiencing sound and light sensitivity skyrocket to 55%.
Hypersensitivity to light and sound, also known as photophobia and phonophobia, is usually a sign of brain damage.
Light sensitivity can manifest in the form of headaches, blurred vision, and emotional outbursts, making it difficult to attend social gatherings and events.
If It Goes Untreated…
Some of the tell-tale signs of a TBI in adults are light and sound sensitivity, which can cause chronic pain and discomfort. Both of these symptoms can lead to isolation, anxiety, depression, and a worsened state of mental health.
In adults, these symptoms can also impart their abilities to hold up jobs or pursue their interests.
Next Steps
The longer it takes to deal with your injuries, the harder it is to detect signs of a TBI years later. Instead of waiting, you should seek medical attention and alternatives like phototherapy, glasses with special tints, and tools that don’t generate a huge amount of noise.
3. Diminished Attention Span and Trouble Concentrating
What are the signs of TBI injuries? Amnesia, loss of consciousness, and sensory sensitivity all appear as soon as the accident occurs.
However, some signs manifest much later, including a diminished attention span and trouble concentrating.
If It Goes Untreated…
Losing the ability to focus and concentrate can represent a barrier to professional and personal success. You may also experience bouts of depression and anxiety around this issue because it can make you feel helpless.
If you have trouble concentrating and a diminished attention span, it could also mean that you have damaged your pituitary gland and other parts of your hormonal system. Which, in turn, can require long-term therapy that focuses on restoring hormonal balance.
Next Steps
Cognitive symptoms like a diminished attention span are severe, so your best bet is to see a neuropsychological expert. You may be deferred to a cognitive rehabilitation expert once you’ve received your diagnostic, so you’ll start your journey to better concentration with the help of a professional.
4. Poor Sleep Patterns
One of the least-known symptoms of TBI injuries is poor sleep patterns and insomnia. However, research suggests that up to 29% of adults who have been diagnosed with a TBI experience insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Here, it’s important to note that TBIs can affect sleep in several ways. Some people may experience a lack of sleep due to hormonal imbalances, while others go through intense pain that doesn’t allow them to rest.
If It Goes Untreated…
Sleep is an essential part of maintaining good brain health. If you experience prolonged insomnia and other sleep issues, you’re more susceptible to mood disorders and additional mental health issues like depression.
Next Steps
As with all signs and symptoms of TBI injuries, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as you experience a blow to the head. Even if it’s not immediate, seeking a physician will help restore your sleep patterns by recommending cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia or a similar treatment.
Depending on your case, it may even be possible to obtain support around sleep hygiene and explore other alternatives to help you sleep through the night.
Get the Support You Need to Make a Full Recovery
Suffering from a TBI can have a huge impact on your life. From mood disorders and temporary disabilities to irreparable damage, traumatic injuries can cause long-term effects if you are not given the time and treatment to make a full recovery.
If you’ve suffered from a TBI due to someone else’s actions or negligence, you should seek enough compensation to make a full recovery. At Brain Injury Law of Seattle, we fight tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve and that you can focus on mending your injuries.
Contact us today and tell us about your case; our team of attorneys will be glad to help.
Related Articles
