What Are the Different Types of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is damage to the brain that typically occurs as the result of a forceful blow to the head or body. There are different types of traumatic brain injury, including closed head injuries (in which nothing touches the brain) and penetrating brain injuries (such as with gunshot wounds). 

TBIs can be mild, moderate or severe. It’s not uncommon for people who suffer TBIs and their loved ones to be unfamiliar with the signs of this type of injury and what to do if it occurs.

What Is the Most Common Type of Traumatic Brain Injury?

Concussions rank as the most frequent form of traumatic brain injury. While healthcare providers classify most concussions as mild, repeated head impacts significantly raise the long-term risk of persistent problems and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

What Are the Symptoms of a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury?

Mild traumatic brain injuries produce a range of symptoms, which may occur immediately or weeks later. They include: 

• Headache
• Lightheadedness
• Confusion
• Blurred vision
• Light sensitivity
• Sound sensitivity
• Mood changes
• Dizziness
• Speech problems
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Vomiting 

Symptoms of a mild traumatic brain injury may resolve on their own. Still, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention to confirm that nothing more serious is causing the symptoms and to rule out issues like a subdural hematoma.

What Are the Symptoms of a Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury?

Moderate traumatic brain injury can cause a variety of symptoms. These include those of a mild TBI along with:

• Persistent headache
• Worsening headache
• Tingling in the extremities
• Disorientation
• Pupil dilation 
• Finger or toe weakness

Patients may also experience clear cerebrospinal fluid draining from their ears or nose. A moderate traumatic brain injury is a condition that requires immediate medical attention. 

What Are the Symptoms of a Severe Traumatic Brain Injury?

Severe traumatic brain injuries require emergency medical care. Symptoms include those of a moderate TBI plus:

• Loss of consciousness
• Convulsions or seizures
• Inability to wake
• Internal bleeding
• Slurred speech
• Profound confusion
• Agitation
• Combativeness

 Symptoms may appear within hours to days following the head injury.

When To Seek Immediate Emergency Care for a Head Injury

Getting a medical assessment is a good idea after a head injury, even a mild one. However, if someone experiences any of the symptoms of a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury listed above, it is crucial to call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room. 

Get Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injuries From Baptist Health

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of a mild traumatic brain injury, contact your primary care physician today. They can assess your condition and may refer you to a neurologist for further evaluation. 

If you have symptoms of a moderate or severe TBI, head to the emergency room or call 911.