Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as a disruption of the normal function of the brain, this can be caused by a blow to the head or a penetrating head injury.

Traumatic brain injury symptoms may include psychological, or physical effects. Symptoms may include:

  • loss of consciousness
  • being dazed, confused, disoriented
  • headache
  • nausea or vomiting
  • dizziness
  • blurred vision
  • tinnitus, ear ringing
  • memory, concentration deficits

Some signs or symptoms may appear immediately after the traumatic event, others may appear days or weeks later.

Collisions involving cars, motorcycles, falls are common causes of traumatic brain injury. Some people with traumatic brain injury may develop post traumatic epilepsy.

The Mayo Clinic confirms that traumatic brain injury may cause cranial nerve damage, which may result in:

  • Paralysis of facial muscles or losing sensation in the face
  • Loss of or altered sense of smell
  • Loss of or altered sense of taste
  • Loss of vision or double vision
  • Swallowing problems
  • Dizziness
  • Ringing in the ear
  • Hearing loss

Traumatic brain injury can result in problems with many skills, including:

Cognitive problems

  • Memory
  • Learning
  • Reasoning
  • Judgment
  • Attention or concentration

Executive functioning problems

  • Problem-solving
  • Multitasking
  • Organization
    Planning
  • Decision-making
    Beginning or completing tasks

Emotional consequences may include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Mood Swings
  • Irritability
  • Lack of empathy for others
  • Anger
  • Insomnia

 

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/index.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557