Brain Injury·December 11, 2025·1 min read

Why Brain Injury Signs and Symptoms Can Be Difficult to Identify

TBI is often called the 'invisible injury.' Symptoms may overlap with other conditions, be delayed, or be masked by pain from other injuries.

By Attorney Dan D'Angelo

Trial Lawyer · Brain Injury Advocate · Avid Cyclist

Cyclist on a Colorado road riding next to a rock wall toward an intersection with a guardrail in the foreground and tall grass.

A brain injury is referred to as an invisible injury, and there are many symptoms that may appear related to other common health conditions or problems. Some brain injury symptoms are immediate, while others may be delayed for hours, days, or months. Signs and symptoms may be intermittent, occur alone, or in varying combinations. Other injuries like pain from broken bones may mask brain injury symptoms.

A brain injured person may not realize their injury because they are not aware of their problem due to their brain injury. A brain injured person may not be a reliable historian due to their injury and no one witnessed the event to confirm whether they hit their head, lost consciousness, had a seizure at the scene, were dazed and confused, or had balance issues. It is also not unusual for a brain injured person to not admit their injury or blame their injury on something else out of fear, embarrassment, or shame.

This can cause delays in diagnosis, treatment, and protecting a brain injured person's legal rights. If you, or someone you know was involved in an incident like a car or bike crash, a fall, or were hit by a falling object, it is important to seek medical attention immediately from a doctor trained in diagnosing brain injuries. Early intervention could save a life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is brain injury called the invisible injury?

There's often no visible wound, brain scans can look normal, and symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or mood changes mimic everyday health problems. The injury hides in plain sight As an attorney who focuses in brain injury cases, my role is to make the invisible injury visible. If you have questions about whether your legal case may involve a brain injury give me a call. Consult are free. 303-831-1116.

How long can brain injury symptoms be delayed?

Yes. Hours, days, or even months. Symptoms may also come and go or appear in shifting combinations, which is why a person can seem fine at the scene and struggle weeks later.

Can other injuries mask a brain injury?

Yes. Pain from broken bones or other trauma can overshadow brain injury symptoms, causing everyone — including doctors — to miss it.

What if the injured person doesn't think anything is wrong?

That's common and is itself a symptom. A brain injured person may lack awareness of their deficits, give an unreliable account, or blame their symptoms on something else out of fear or embarrassment. Family observations and a doctor trained in brain injuries matter enormously here.

Why does a delayed diagnosis hurt a legal claim?

Gaps between the incident, reported symptoms, and/or the diagnosis are often used against you by the insurance company to argue the injury did not occur or isn't as bad as claimed. This is a common argument I see frequently. Early evaluation by a doctor trained in brain injuries protects both your health and your rights. However, even if there is a delay in reported symptoms or diagnoses of your brain injury, I may still be able to help. I've frequently dealt with cases like these and know how to overcome some of these common defense arguments. If this sounds familiar, call me. Consults are free. 303-831-1116.

Have a question about your case?

Attorney Dan D'Angelo offers free consultations for brain injury and cycling accident victims throughout Colorado.

Free Consultation 303.831.1116

About the Author

Attorney Dan D'Angelo