Symptoms of Brain Injury

Traumatic Head Injury can have several physical and psychological effects.

Mild traumatic Brain injury

  • Loss of consciousness for a few seconds to a few minutes
  • No loss of consciousness, but a state of being dazed, confused or disoriented
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fatigue or drowsiness
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Sleeping more than usual
  • Dizziness or loss of balance
  • Blurred vision, ringing in the ears, a bad taste in the mouth or changes in the ability to smell
  • Sensitivity to light or sound
  • Cognitive symptoms
  • Memory or concentration problems
  • Mood changes or mood swings
  • Feeling depressed or anxious

 

Moderate to severe Traumatic Brain Injuries

  • Loss of consciousness from several minutes to hours
  • A persistent headache or a headache that worsens
  • Repeated vomiting or nausea
  • Convulsions or seizures
  • Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes
  • Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears
  • Inability to awaken from sleep
  • Weakness or numbness in fingers and toes
  • Loss of coordination
  • Cognitive or mental symptoms
  • Profound confusion
  • Agitation, combativeness or other unusual behaviour
  • Slurred speech
  • Coma and other disorders of consciousness

 

 

Symptoms in ChildrenĀ 

  • Infants and children with brain injuries may lack the communication skills to explain symptoms. It is important to observe the child after any injury to the head.

In a child with traumatic brain injury, you may observe:

  • Change in eating or nursing habits
  • Persistent crying and inability to be consoled
  • Unusual or easy irritability
  • Change in ability to pay attention
  • Change in sleep habits
  • Sad or depressed mood
  • Loss of interest in favourite toys or activities

 

When to see a doctor

Always see your doctor if you or your child has received a blow to the head or body. The terms “mild,” “moderate” and “severe” are used to describe the effect of the injury on brain function. A mild injury to the brain is still a serious injury that requires prompt attention and an accurate diagnosis.

The terms “mild,” “moderate” and “severe” are used to describe the effect of the injury on brain function. A mild injury to the brain is still a serious injury that requires prompt attention and an accurate diagnosis.

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