The Initial Symptoms of a TBI
After any type of accident or mishap that involves a bump or blow to the head or even a shaking or snapping of your neck, there’s always the possibility that you’ve suffered a traumatic brain injury. You don’t need to lose consciousness to suffer a TBI, and even a relatively mild impact can have significant health consequences. You can also sustain a traumatic brain injury without making contact with another person or object.
The earlier you recognize that you’ve suffered a potential TBI, the sooner you can seek treatment. The sooner you seek treatment, the more options you’ll typically have and the better outcome you can expect.
The Early Indicators of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Not surprisingly, one of the first symptoms of a potential TBI is a headache, which will often start shortly after the incident. Dizziness, vertigo and balance issues are typically next, and may be combined with confusion, loss of memory or difficulty engaging in a conversation or following the dialogue of others. Fairly soon, you can anticipate a general fatigue, as your body works hard to respond to your injuries.
Additional indications of a traumatic brain injury are typically categorized as:
- Physical—such as nausea or vomiting, convulsions or seizures, weakness in your limbs or dilation of your pupils, and changes in sleep patterns
- Sensory—an increased sensitivity to light or sound, a foul taste in your mouth, and challenges with your vision
- Emotional—including depression, anxiety and mood swings
- Cognitive or behavioral—Difficulty remembering, concentrating or problem-solving, as well as reduced levels of consciousness
If you or someone you love is exhibiting any of these symptoms, you should either go to the emergency room at the nearest hospital or make an appointment with your primary care physician, who can conduct an assessment and determine whether you need to be referred to a specialist.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer any type of concussion, TBI or traumatic brain injury. Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas and San Antonio.
