Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury You May Not Know

By: Michaela Crutsinger, OTD, OTR/L

What exactly is a traumatic brain injury? A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain that can be caused by a forceful jolt, bump, or hit to the head. It can also be caused by a sharp object that pushes through the skull and into the brain. Such injuries are often caused by car accidents, falls, sports, or natural disasters. For example, a concussion is a mild form of TBI; however, not all injuries to the head will cause a TBI.

What are some common signs of a TBI?

Physical

  • Headache, seizures, double vision, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, fatigue

Cognitive 

  • Confusion, change in consciousness, memory difficulties, disorientation

Sensory

  • Vertigo, sensitivity to sound or light, decreased balance 

What are some signs of a TBI that you may not know?

  • Fluid draining from the nose or ears
  • Difficulty staying asleep
  • Difficulty waking up
  • Changes in mood or irritability
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Changes in sense of smell or taste
  • Weakness in upper or lower extremities 
  • Difficulty concentrating or completing work or school tasks 

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor right away. Left undiagnosed, TBIs can cause a wide array of long-term effects on your physical and mental health. While some symptoms, including difficulty focusing or performing at work, may not be obvious when you are resting, they can show up when you return to normal tasks. 

The concussion rehabilitation team at Sheltering Arms Institute is trained and skilled in treating individuals with concussions. To schedule an appointment with one of our concussion experts, please visit www.shelteringarmsinstitute.com/contact-us or call (804) 764-1000.

Sheltering Arms Institute also provides both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation for individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury. To learn more about our traumatic brain injury program, please visit www.shelteringarmsinstitute.com/conditions-and-services/brain-injury-rehabilitation.

 

References:

National Institute Of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (2023, May 29). Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi#:~:text=Headache%2C%20dizziness%2C%20confusion%2C%20and,tend%20to%20develop%20during%20recovery.&text=Children%20might%20be%20unable%20to,a%20blow%20to%20the%20head.

Phelan Petty (2023, May 29). Signs You May Have An Undiagnosed Brain Injury. https://phelanpetty.com/blog/signs-you-may-have-an-undiagnosed-traumatic-brain-injury/

 

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