Any blow to the head has the potential to lead to a traumatic brain injury. However, many Connecticut residents who experience TBIs do so after car crashes, assaults or falls, among other common causes. TBIs have the potential to lead to serious, potentially life-threatening complications, and some who suffer serious brain injuries wind up needing ‘round-the-clock care for the rest of their lives.
According to Mayo Clinic, brain injury symptoms are not always immediate or clear. In some cases, they do not become noticeable until days or even a week after the initial blow occurred. However, knowing what to look for may help TBI victims and their loved ones identify problems promptly and seek appropriate care.
Symptoms associated with TBIs
The symptoms someone experiences following a TBI may vary based on the severity of the head injury. After a mild TBI, an individual might experience headache, fatigue, nausea or vomiting. He or she may also develop sensory issues or cognitive, behavioral or mental health-related symptoms. For example, a TBI sufferer may experience sudden mood changes, depression or problems sleeping. More serious TBIs often include a period of unconsciousness. Dilated pupils, clear fluids draining from the ears or nose, or convulsions may also indicate a severe TBI.
Complications associated with TBIs
In serious cases, someone who experiences a TBI may wind up in a coma or a vegetative state. Seizures, infections and hydrocephalus, or fluid buildup in the brain, may also occur as a result of a TBI. Some TBIs may also lead to facial paralysis, vision problems or an altered sense of taste or smell, among other potential complications.
A doctor may use something called the Glasgow Coma scale to get a better sense of the severity of a patient’s brain injury.
