A sudden jolt or bump to your head can result in a traumatic brain injury. One of these injuries can cause serious injury and disability, and in some cases, death.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2019, there were approximately 61,000 TBI-related deaths in the U.S. Although not every brain injury results in death, many cognitive, physical and emotional symptoms can persist after the recovery process begins.
1. Cognitive
You may have a hard time concentrating on basic tasks or remembering information after a serious accident that results in a brain injury. You may also have problems thinking clearly and feel more slowed down than usual.
2. Physical
Some of the physical symptoms of a brain injury include feeling bothered by light or noise, dizziness and balance problems, nausea or vomiting and headaches. You may also feel tired and have no energy.
3. Emotional
Your brain injury may make you feel more anxious, nervous or sad than normal. You may also get angry easier, feel more irritable and feel more emotional in general.
Some of the symptoms of a TBI may show up right away after the initial trauma while others may not develop until hours or even days following the accident. Although most people with a mild brain injury recover, some do not, and their symptoms persist for extended periods of time. Seek emergency medical care if you have a headache that does not go away, lose consciousness, have a seizure or feel abnormally confused.