Symptoms

Those who suffer from traumatic brain injury (TBI) may be surprised to find that they could suffer from the effects for up to one year, leaving many who do incur TBI unable to perform at the best of their ability at work or home causing those nearby to suffer as well.

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Mild TBI is the most common form of brain injury and can also be called a concussion. Symptoms of people with TBI include fatigue, headaches, memory loss, nausea, mood changes, confusion, delay in processing thoughts and ideas, emotional disturbances, and disrupted sleep.

While such symptoms may not be apparent at the time of the injury they can occur days, and even weeks, later adding to the confusion and discomfort of those who suffer from them.

Moderate TBI

Moderate TBI is the result of an injury that results in one losing consciousness for up to six hours. The impact of this kind of injury can include deficits in attention, speech, memory and language. In reference to language, speaking can be negatively affected, but so can one's comprehension with hearing, reading, and writing. Trouble understanding what one is touching, seeing, smelling, and tasting can also be caused.

Changes in Behavior

As for behavior, it is not entirely uncommon for a person suffering from mild TBI do express dependent behaviors as a result of potentially failing in so many cognitive areas that are often taken for granted. Depression, denial, aggression, and lack of inhibition are also symptoms that may occur.

Severe TBI

Severe TBI shares many of the effects that come from moderate injuries, but the difference is that with a severe injury to the brain it is often the result of being unconscious for a period of greater than six hours. Just as one can become aggressive, dependent, or depressed, injuries of this magnitude will compound the effects. Mild ringing in one's ears from a moderate injury will increase just as changes in appetite will change more so.

Coping with Multiple Symptoms

The most difficult part of suffering from TBI is that one symptom can often lead to another, leading some patients into a cycle that seems inescapable, increasing their risk of depression and the levels at which they can suffer from it. As chronic pain may keep a person up at night, not getting a proper amount of sleep may lead to a loss of stamina. Without the proper energy levels, victims of TBI may suffer for a long time if they do not receive the proper support, treatment, and compensation that every person in pain deserves.