Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are clinically grouped by severity: mild, moderate and severe. Mild TBI (the least severe form) is synonymous with concussion and is typically caused by blunt non-penetrating head trauma. The trauma causes stretching and tearing of axons, which leads to diffuse axonal injury.

 

Mild: 

• Headache

• Confusion

• Light-headedness

• Dizziness

• Blurred vision

• Ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus

• Tiredness or sleepiness

• A bad taste in the mouth

• A change in sleep habits

• Behaviour or mood changes

• Trouble with memory, concentration, attention, or thinking

• Loss of consciousness lasting a few seconds to minutes

• Sensitivity to light or sound

• Nausea or vomiting

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Mod-severe:

• Headache that gets worse or will not go away

• Loss of vision in one or both eyes

• Repeated vomiting or continued nausea

• Slurred speech

• Convulsions or seizures

• An inability to wake up from sleep

• Enlargement of the pupil (dark center) of one or both eyes

• Numbness or tingling of arms or legs

• Uncoordinated or “clumsy” movements

• Increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation

• Loss of consciousness lasting a few minutes to hour