Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Recognizing the Symptoms

March 10, 2010
By Ben Roberts on March 10, 2010 10:36 AM |

xbrain2.jpgEven for the most experienced neurological specialists in Modesto, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can be tough to accurately diagnose, since some symptoms can be very subtle. TBI is typically caused by sudden, unexpected events, including car accidents (either by direct injury or by whiplash), workplace accidents, sporting activities, physical altercations or slip and falls.

No matter the cause, the effects of TBI exhibit themselves with varying symptoms. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (a division of the National Institutes of Health), people who suffer from TBI may display one of numerous signs, in mild, moderate or severe intensity:

Mild Symptoms: Brief loss of consciousness at the time of injury (or shortly thereafter), headache, confusion, lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred vision, tired eyes, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to light and sound, bad taste in mouth, fatigue, lethargy, changes in sleep patterns and changes in behavior and mood. Mild symptoms can also include trouble with memory, concentration, attention or thinking.

Moderate to Severe Symptoms: Severe, persistent or worsening headache, repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions, seizures, an 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 and increased confusion, agitation or restlessness.

Brain injuries require diagnostic and neurological testing immediately after injury in order to be accurately diagnosed and attributed to a specific event. Without early diagnosis, TBI can be difficult for personal injury lawyers to prove after traumatic events, although it is possible. If you or someone you know may have suffered a brain injury, it's vital to get immediate medical attention and diagnosis. The sooner you recognize the symptoms of TBI, the stronger your personal injury case will be in Modesto.