Which symptoms of head trauma suggest possible brain damage?


Quick Answer

When there is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that causes damage, some possible symptoms can be unconsciousness, headaches, speech impairment, being disoriented, vision or hearing problems, issues with memory, disturbance in sleep patterns and changes in emotional or mental states, relates the Mayo Clinic. Although these are typical symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, there are different types of TBIs that range from mild to severe.

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Which symptoms of head trauma suggest possible brain damage?
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Full Answer

Moderate and severe TBIs can present the same symptoms of a mild TBI, but also have additional symptoms that may manifest. For example, when a person suffers a severe TBI, he can be unconscious for a longer period than a person who has a mild TBI, relates the Alzheimer's Association. Similarly, either a moderate or severe TBI can have other symptoms like a person experiencing numbness of the fingers or having a seizure, explains Mayo Clinic.

Some causes of a head trauma can be related to an injury from a sport like football, a car or motorcycle collision, or a fall. Another cause for TBIs is a combat injury in which the brain gets jolted about.

When a person suffers a moderate to severe TBI and presents any symptoms, he requires prompt medical treatment. Some severe TBIs also may require brain surgery when there is damage to brain tissue or blood vessels, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

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