Nausea as a Symptom of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
What causes nausea after a traumatic brain injury or TBI, and is this a sign of something more serious?
The brain is in charge of controlling all bodily processes, and a severe blow to the head can disrupt virtually every single function in the human organism. Nausea and vomiting are no exception, so you should keep an eye out for these potential symptoms after a significant blow to the head.
In this article, we’ll discuss nausea as a TBI sign, why it occurs, and tell you everything you need to know about this symptom. Find more about the symptoms of traumatic brain injury.
Page Contents
What is Nausea from a TBI?
As the name suggests, TBI nausea refers to a feeling of sickness, digestive unease, and an urge to vomit.
In summary, nausea and headache are common after a blow to the head, and both of the symptoms may be a sign that there is severe damage beyond the surface.
Why is Nausea a Symptom of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Although not commonly listed as one of the most common causes of nausea, TBIs can certainly lead to a feeling of sickness and give you a sensation of wanting to vomit.
Brainstem Involvement
The brainstem plays a crucial role in regulating nausea and vomiting. When this area sustains trauma, it can cause chronic nausea that lingers far beyond the initial injury. If nausea persists for weeks or worsens over time, it may indicate serious brainstem dysfunction requiring medical evaluation.
Vestibular Dysfunction
Your inner ear helps control balance, and when a TBI disrupts the vestibular system, it can lead to dizziness, motion sensitivity, and nausea. Effective nausea treatment for vestibular dysfunction often includes vestibular therapy, balance exercises, and, in some cases, prescription medication to manage symptoms.
Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP)
A head injury can cause swelling or bleeding in the brain, leading to increased pressure inside the skull. This can trigger persistent nausea, vomiting, and severe headaches. If you’re unsure how to tell if your nausea is from anxiety or from a serious brain injury like ICP, a medical professional can perform tests to determine the root cause.
Neurochemical Imbalance
A TBI can disrupt the brain’s natural balance of neurotransmitters, leading to issues like nausea, dizziness, and mood changes. These nausea symptoms can persist if chemical imbalances remain unaddressed, making it essential to seek proper care and restore neurological stability.
How Long Does TBI Nausea Last?
It’s common for TBI nausea to last up to 2 weeks, though there are cases where these symptoms last much longer. If you have experienced TBI nausea and similar symptoms for more than 2 weeks, you should seek medical attention right away.
Other Symptoms Associated with Nausea from a TBI
Nausea can be an early indicator of neurological damage, but it’s far from the only sign of a TBI. Here are a few different signs that you may have a TBI, some of which you may know about and others that are a bit more obscure.
- Dizziness
- Vision changes, like blurred or double images
- Memory loss, even if it’s temporary
- Sensitivity to light and/or sounds
- Confusion and worsening of other symptoms—this may indicate serious damage
Treatment Options for TBI Nausea
If you are experiencing TBI nausea and are desperate for a solution, you are not alone. The medical treatments available for TBI nausea range significantly and include remedies like anti-nausea medication and supplements, as well as physical therapy and specific exercises.
The most important thing when suffering a TBI is getting the space you need to rest, following your medical protocol, and focusing solely on recovering. If your injuries are the responsibility of another person, group of people, or entity, you may qualify to get remuneration for your damages.
Contact Brain Injury Law of Seattle to discuss your potential case. Click to find TBI lawyer near me.
Get the Compensation You Deserve to Overcome Your Nausea and Other TBI Problems
While it may feel the same as when it comes from a digestive source, experiencing nausea after a TBI can be serious because it may represent extensive damage to the brain. If you have experienced nausea or vomiting after a head trauma that was caused by the actions or gross negligence of another person or entity, you may have the basis for a personal injury claim.
At Brain Injury Law of Seattle, we strive to get you everything you need to focus on recovering from your injuries. Contact us today to learn more about potentially filing a personal injury lawsuit and discuss what you may be able to claim, given your injuries.
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