7 Early Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury

7 Early Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury : A traumatic brain injury can happen to anyone and at any time. From falls to accidents, a TBI may not be immediately apparent because the symptoms can take weeks or months to show up. Studies have found that with proper treatment, most people with a TBI recover within six months of the injury. Here are seven early symptoms of a traumatic brain injury.

Headaches

Headaches are the most common early symptom of TBI. An estimated 80% of people will experience a headache within days of a traumatic brain injury. Headaches caused by traumatic brain injury can be very severe. The main headaches that come after a TBI are somatic and focal pain.
Nausea or Vomiting

Nausea or vomiting is among the early symptoms of a traumatic brain injury. When people experience nausea after a TBI, they are most likely experiencing changes in pain, usually caused by increased activity in areas of the brain and intense vestibular symptoms.
Clear Fluids Draining from the Nose or Ears

Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears can occur after a traumatic brain injury. This usually means that the person has suffered a head injury and brain swelling, which is a sign that the brain was injured. The cerebrospinal fluid protects the brain and maintains the intracranial pressure. The cerebrospinal fluid can leak when the meningeal structure is damaged, causing clear fluids to drain from the nose or ears. It is recommended to see a doctor immediately after seeing this symptom.
Trouble Thinking, Concentrating, or Making Decisions

Someone having trouble thinking, concentrating, or making decisions after a head injury may suffer from cognitive impairment and should monitor their symptoms by someone competent in assessing cognitive function.
Numbness

TBI often affects the limbs and hands, causing a loss of feeling. This can be caused by damage to the nerves in the arms or legs. A head injury causes numbness, especially if there is a direct blow to the head.
Changes in Vision

Vision changes are common symptoms of a TBI and are usually caused by changes to the brain stem. The swelling around the brain stem can put pressure on the optic nerve, causing blurring, flashes, or even blindness in an eye.
Communication Problems

Communication problems are a common symptom of a TBI. This is because the person may suffer a lesion in one part of the brain controlling language. A lesion on the one side of the brain can cause problems with writing and reading, while a lesion on the other can be responsible for problems with speaking and understanding speech.

Causes of Brain Injuries

Trauma can occur in many ways, and it is important to be aware of the type of trauma your loved one has sustained so that you can intervene as soon as possible. Dr Timothy Steel suggests that this can happen from a very young age from something as simple as carrying a heavy school rucksack. Disc degeneration and spinal damage can cause inflammation to the whole nervous system including the brain. It is also important to pay attention to any symptoms that may indicate a brain injury and seek medical assistance immediately. If a traumatic brain injury happens, hiring an experienced brain injury lawyer is crucial for the advice on your case’s requirements and also helps to get the right compensation.

Conclusion

Traumatic brain injuries are very serious and possibly life-threatening. There are many symptoms and effects of a brain injury, including death. A person suffering from a brain injury must seek medical attention as soon as possible and seek treatment with medical professionals specializing in traumatic brain injuries.