Traumatic Brain Injury (or TBI for short) signs can differ according to the severity of the injury. These are usually divided between mild and severe cases. TBI is usually the result of a violent blow or a fall that affects the head. If an object, such as a bullet, penetrates the brain’s tissues, this may also lead to a traumatic brain injury. The extent of symptoms resulting from a TBI depends on the severity and how much the brain cells are affected.

If mild, TBI may be temporary. However, serious brain injury, where physical damage to the brain is worse, may mean torn tissues, brain bleeds, and/or bruising. Unfortunately, an injury of this kind can mean ongoing complications or death, but not always!

If you’re currently caring for someone with a TBI and need an experienced team on your side, please get in touch with us at Haym Salomon Home for Nursing & Rehabilitation in Brooklyn NY.

    Traumatic Brain Injury written on a notepad

    We have the skills and the know-how to help people with traumatic brain injuries cope with their symptoms. Good care and rehabilitation in cases of TBI is very important. In fact, they can have a significant impact on the potential for recovery. Therefore, do take these seriously.

    TBIs and age

    Anybody can suffer from a traumatic brain injury. However, multiple studies have shown that the people most likely to sustain a TBI are younger. The most at-risk group is people in their 20s. Most of these injuries occur in motor vehicle accidents.

    Older adults are also at increased risk. Unlike the more youthful sufferers, TBI in older adults is generally sustained as the result of a fall. The most at-risk group among older adults is the elderly at 70 and above.

    Here, we’ll take a look at each group.

    Mild traumatic brain injury symptoms

    • Losing consciousness for just a few seconds or a few minutes
    • Feeling dazed, confused, and/or disoriented
    • Headaches
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Increased fatigue
    • Issues with speech
    • Difficulty sleeping
    • Sleeping an unusual amount (more)
    • Dizziness
    • A loss of balance
    • Light sensitivity
    • Visual disturbances
    • Changes to mood and/or behavior
    • Depression, which may or may not feature anxiety
    • Ringing in the ears
    • Inability to smell things

    Severe traumatic brain injury symptoms

    • Losing consciousness for extended periods of time
    • Persistent headaches or headaches that get worse over time
    • Incessant vomiting and nausea
    • Convulsions
    • Seizures
    • Pupil dilation in one or both eyes
    • Fluids running from the nose or ears
    • Difficulty waking up
    • Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the extremities
    • Lack of coordination
    • Slurred speech
    • Inability to speak
    • Aggressiveness
    • Comatose state
    • Profound confusion

    Can you heal after a TBI?

    This really depends on the severity of the injury and the brain cell damage sustained. Some people make significant recoveries. Other regain something close to a normally functioning brain. Only an experienced neurologist and gauge the extent of the damage.

    If you suspect that someone you love has sustained a traumatic brain injury and is suffering from its symptoms, please seek immediate medical care.