Traumatic brain injuries are devastating and can lead to physical and psychological problems in addition to economic losses for the entire family. In the most extreme cases, a traumatic brain injury can lead to permanent disabilities that impact a person’s ability to go to work or perform basic, everyday tasks.

Such injuries are usually the result of blow to the head or a strong jolt to the body. Falls, vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and violence, among other things, can all lead to traumatic brain injury, and often these injuries are the result of someone else’s negligence.

According to the Mayo Clinic, traumatic brain injuries have a wide range of symptoms, both physical and psychological. Some of these appear immediately after the event that caused the injury. Other symptoms don’t appear for days or even weeks.

For mild traumatic brain injury, physical symptoms can include (but are not limited to) headache, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, speech problems, and dizziness. Sensory problems like blurred vision and a ringing in the ears can also happen.

Mild traumatic brain injuries can also have cognitive symptoms. That might include memory or concentration problems, mood swings, sleep difficulties (sleeping too much or not enough), confusion, and feeling confused or disoriented.

More severe traumatic brain injuries can include all of the above symptoms and also the following:

• Loss of consciousness

• Persistent or worsening headache

• Convulsions

• Dilation of the pupils

• Fluids draining from nose or eyes

• Numbness in fingers and toes

• Loss of coordination

• Extreme confusion

• Slurred speech

• Coma

These latter symptoms generally appear within the first hours to days after the injury happens. However, it’s very important to note that they are not the only symptoms of traumatic brain injury. A qualified healthcare professional will be able to diagnose your symptoms properly after an accident; it is recommended you visit one in the event of a head injury.