Brain Injury Symptoms & Signs
A complete list of physical, cognitive, communication, and behavioral symptoms, plus the clinical signs doctors look for to diagnose a TBI.
By Attorney Dan D'Angelo
Trial Lawyer · Brain Injury Advocate · Avid Cyclist
The typical symptoms, problems, difficulties, or dysfunction a person may experience from traumatic brain injury may include the following:
Physical symptoms
Headaches, head pressure, nausea, vomiting, sleep changes, fatigue, weakness in the face or limbs, hearing problems, tinnitus, visual field loss, blurred vision, double vision, eye movement and tracking problems, changes in taste or smell, bad taste in mouth, spasticity, aphasia, dysphagia, dysarthria, dizziness, balance or coordination problems, seizures, and sensitivity to light and/or noise.
Communication problems
Difficulty finding words, reading, understanding written and verbal communication, and writing.
Cognitive or mental issues
Deficits in attention, concentration, memory (short or long-term), speed of processing, new learning, planning, reasoning, judgment, self-awareness, problem solving, abstract thinking, visual spatial, mental or brain fog or fatigue, feeling dazed or hazy, confused, or disoriented.
Behavioral or emotional changes
Depression or anxiety, agitation, irritability, impulsivity, aggression, easily losing temper, or lack of motivation or energy.
Clinical signs of a TBI
- Loss of consciousness immediately following the injury, which may appear as no protective action taken on falling after impact or lying motionless and unresponsive.
- Alteration of mental status immediately following the injury: reduced responsiveness, slowness to respond, agitated behavior, inability to follow two-part commands, or disorientation.
- Complete or partial amnesia for events immediately following the injury, or retrograde amnesia (gap in memory for events immediately preceding the injury).
- Significant drowsiness or inability to wake up, slurred speech, numbness, weakness or difficulty with motor coordination, pupil size asymmetry, repeated vomiting, shaking/twitching or seizures, severe headache that keeps getting worse, or fluid draining from the nose or ears.
Even if it appears to be a minor fall or bump on the head, or if you aren't sure if you injured your brain, go get checked out by a doctor. Waiting could have detrimental effects on your recovery and legal claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common symptoms of a traumatic brain injury?
Headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, sensitivity to light or noise, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, mood changes like depression or irritability, and sleep disruption. Symptoms span physical, cognitive, and emotional categories.
Can TBI symptoms show up days after the injury?
Yes. Secondary injury processes — inflammation, swelling, reduced blood flow — unfold over minutes to days, so symptoms can appear or worsen well after the initial trauma.
What are the emergency warning signs of a TBI?
Repeated vomiting, seizures, a severe headache that keeps getting worse, slurred speech, weakness or numbness, unequal pupil size, fluid draining from the nose or ears, or inability to wake up. These need emergency medical care immediately.
When should I see a doctor after hitting my head?
Right away — even if it seemed like a minor fall or bump, or you're not sure you hit your head or injured you brain. Waiting can harm both your recovery and your legal claim.
Can a brain injury change your personality or behavior?
Yes. Depression, anxiety, agitation, impulsivity, aggression, and loss of motivation are common after TBI — and they're just as real as the physical symptoms. If you're experiencing these after a crash see a medical doctor and call me. I focus on helping brain injury victims after a crash.
Have a question about your case?
Attorney Dan D'Angelo offers free consultations for brain injury and cycling accident victims throughout Colorado.
About the Author
Attorney Dan D'Angelo
Trial Lawyer · Brain Injury Advocate · Avid Cyclist
Attorney Dan D'Angelo founded D'Angelo Law Office, P.C. in 2009 and Bike Brain Law to focus exclusively on traumatic brain injury and cycling injury cases in Colorado. An avid cyclist himself, Dan combines deep TBI science knowledge with hands-on cycling experience to build winning cases against insurance companies and corporations that put profits over safety.
- Practicing Colorado personal injury attorney since 2009
- Focused practice in TBI and bicycle injury litigation
- Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for injury victims
- Avid road and commuter cyclist
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