Head Injury

Mild/Traumatic Brain Injury

Brain injuries can have wide-ranging physical and psychological effects. Some signs or symptoms may appear immediately after the traumatic event, while others may appear days or weeks later.

Signs and Symptoms

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Problems with speech
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Sensory problems, such as blurred vision, ringing in the ears, a bad taste in the mouth or changes in the ability to smell
• Sensitivity to light or sound

Concussion

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that affects your brain function. Effects are usually temporary but can include headaches and problems with concentration, memory, balance and coordination.

Concussions are usually caused by a blow to the head. Violently shaking of the head and upper body also can cause concussions.

Some concussions cause you to lose consciousness, but most do not.

Falls are the most common cause of concussion. Concussions are also common if you play a contact sport, such as football or soccer. Most people usually recover fully after a concussion.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not show up immediately. Symptoms can last for days, weeks, or even longer.

Common symptoms after a concussive traumatic brain injury are headache, loss of memory (amnesia), and confusion. Amnesia usually involves forgetting the event that caused the concussion.

Physical signs and symptoms of a concussion may include:

• Headache
• Ringing in the ears
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Blurry vision

Other signs and symptoms of a concussion include:

• Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
• Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event
• Dizziness or “seeing stars”