Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can range in scope from mild to severe. A TBI can be classified as mild if the loss of consciousness, confusion, and/or disorientation is shorter than 30 minutes. On the other hand, moderate to severe brain injuries occur when there is a loss of consciousness from 20 minutes to greater than six hours. Some signs or symptoms of each classification may appear immediately after the incident, while others may appear days or weeks later.
The following are common signs and symptoms of mild TBI:
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Physical symptoms
- Loss of consciousness for several seconds or a few minutes
- Confusion or disorientation
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping or sleep more than usual
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Cognitive or mental symptoms
- Memory or concentration issues
- Mood swings
- Depression or anxiety
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Sensory symptoms
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Changes in ability to smell or taste
- Sensitivity to light or sound
Common signs of moderate to severe TBI include:
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Physical symptoms
- Loss of consciousness from several minutes to hours
- Persistent headaches or migraines
- Continuous nausea or vomiting
- Seizures
- Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes
- Clear fluids draining from the ears or nose
- Coordination issues
- Numbness or weakness in fingers and toes
- Difficulty walking up after sleep
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Cognitive or mental symptoms
- Slurred speech
- Profound confusion
- Agitation or combativeness
- Disorders related to consciousness
If you have suffered a brain injury caused by the negligent of another party, schedule a free consultation with our Charleston personal injury lawyers at Pierce | Sloan today.