Early Signs and Symptoms of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
The potential for a full recovery following a traumatic brain injury is very dependent on the immediate detection of early signs and symptoms after an accident. In some cases, traumatic brain injuries are immediately apparent following a jolt or blow to the head. However the CDC reports that “75% of TBIs that occur each year are concussions or other forms of MTBI (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury).”
The long-term affects of MTBI, according to the CDC, “can have serious and long-term impact on a person’s cognitive, physical and psychological function.”
Signs and symptoms of a concussion can not always be so obvious. Many can often be confused with being stressed due to hectic schedules and job situations resulting in one feeling fatigued. However, one must seek medical attention if these symptoms of a mild traumatic brain injury persist:
- Difficulty thinking clearly or concentrating
- Difficulty remembering new information
- Persistent headache and sensitivity to light
- Nausea, vomiting and dizziness
- Irritability, sadness, nervousness or anxiety
- Sleeping more or less than usual and difficulty falling asleep
The CDC also outlines what danger signs should be noticed and treated immediately. Following an accident, one should seek medical attention if they have a persistent headache, weakness and decreased coordination, repeated nausea and/or slurred speech.
Following a mild traumatic brain injury, recovery times can vary amongst adults. Recovery times are dependent on the severity of the concussion, age and health. Due to these varying circumstances, proper care for a concussion and its symptoms after an injury are also critical for recovery. The CDC lists that those afflicted should, among other things:
- Get plenty of rest at night and throughout the day
- Refrain from strenuous physical and mental activities and return to these gradually once clear by your doctor
- Operate machinery or a vehicle only when cleared by a doctor
- Avoid alcoholic beverages and other drugs not deemed acceptable by your doctor
- Avoid multi-tasking
Long-term health problems from a mild traumatic brain injury can persist if care is not taken immediately following an accident. These problems are increased with an additional and subsequent traumatic brain injury, regardless of the severity of the original or following instances.