Is this a sign of a TBI?

On Behalf of | Aug 4, 2021 | Brain Injuries, Injuries |

After suffering from a blow to the head, you are likely to experience injury to the brain. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in particular have the potential for short and long-term impacts that can alter the course of your life.

Thus, it is important to understand what signs to look for when identifying a TBI. This can make the difference in how quickly you get medical help, which can impact recovery time.

Physical red flags of TBIs

Mayo Clinic takes a close look at traumatic brain injuries. These injuries manifest in different ways and can depend on several factors including your physical health, the area that gets hit and the strength behind the blow. However, there are several signs that will likely appear no matter what sort of TBI you have. These often fall into certain categories such as physical, mental and emotional signs.

Physical signs often appear the fastest and serve as an easy red flag to spot. They can vary from unconsciousness to crippling migraines to nausea that leads to vomiting. Victims may also experience sensory disorders, such as ringing in the ears. Listen to their complaints about physical issues you cannot see, as well as paying attention to changes you note.

Mental and emotional impacts

Mentally, confusion will serve as your first warning. TBI victims often suffer from some degree of confusion. This can include forgetting the events leading up to the accident, but it can also extend further and be more severe. Examples include forgetting the events of the day or week or even forgetting the year.

Emotional distress is also common. This can include breaking down and crying or throwing tantrums, or showing unnaturally aggressive behavior. If you notice any of these signs, fetch immediate medical help.