Summary
Symptoms include:
- A headache that gets worse or does not go away
- Repeated throwing up or nausea
- Convulsions or seizures
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when a bump, blow, jolt, or other head injury causes damage to the brain. The worst injuries can lead to permanent brain damage or death. Half of all TBIs are from motor vehicle accidents. Military personnel in combat zones are also at risk.
Symptoms of a TBI may not appear until days or weeks after the injury. A concussion is the mildest type. It can cause a headache or neck pain, nausea, ringing in the ears, dizziness, and tiredness. People with a mild or severe TBI may have those, plus other symptoms:
- A headache that gets worse or does not go away
- Repeated throwing up or nausea
- Convulsions or seizures
- Inability to awaken from sleep
- Slurred speech
- Weakness or numbness in the arms and legs
- Dilated eye pupils
Health care professionals use a neurological exam and imaging tests to assess TBI. Serious traumatic brain injuries need emergency care. Treatment and outcome depend on how bad the injury is. TBI can cause a wide range of changes affecting thinking, sensation, language, or emotions. TBI can be linked to post-traumatic stress disorder. People with severe injuries usually need rehabilitation.
Summary
Symptoms include:
- A headache that gets worse or does not go away
- Repeated throwing up or nausea
- Convulsions or seizures
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when a bump, blow, jolt, or other head injury causes damage to the brain. The worst injuries can lead to permanent brain damage or death. Half of all TBIs are from motor vehicle accidents. Military personnel in combat zones are also at risk.
Symptoms of a TBI may not appear until days or weeks after the injury. A concussion is the mildest type. It can cause a headache or neck pain, nausea, ringing in the ears, dizziness, and tiredness. People with a mild or severe TBI may have those, plus other symptoms:
- A headache that gets worse or does not go away
- Repeated throwing up or nausea
- Convulsions or seizures
- Inability to awaken from sleep
- Slurred speech
- Weakness or numbness in the arms and legs
- Dilated eye pupils
Health care professionals use a neurological exam and imaging tests to assess TBI. Serious traumatic brain injuries need emergency care. Treatment and outcome depend on how bad the injury is. TBI can cause a wide range of changes affecting thinking, sensation, language, or emotions. TBI can be linked to post-traumatic stress disorder. People with severe injuries usually need rehabilitation.
Summary
Symptoms include:
- A headache that gets worse or does not go away
- Repeated throwing up or nausea
- Convulsions or seizures
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when a bump, blow, jolt, or other head injury causes damage to the brain. The worst injuries can lead to permanent brain damage or death. Half of all TBIs are from motor vehicle accidents. Military personnel in combat zones are also at risk.
Symptoms of a TBI may not appear until days or weeks after the injury. A concussion is the mildest type. It can cause a headache or neck pain, nausea, ringing in the ears, dizziness, and tiredness. People with a mild or severe TBI may have those, plus other symptoms:
- A headache that gets worse or does not go away
- Repeated throwing up or nausea
- Convulsions or seizures
- Inability to awaken from sleep
- Slurred speech
- Weakness or numbness in the arms and legs
- Dilated eye pupils
Health care professionals use a neurological exam and imaging tests to assess TBI. Serious traumatic brain injuries need emergency care. Treatment and outcome depend on how bad the injury is. TBI can cause a wide range of changes affecting thinking, sensation, language, or emotions. TBI can be linked to post-traumatic stress disorder. People with severe injuries usually need rehabilitation.