How Long Do TBI Symptoms Take?

The term traumatic brain injury (TBI) refers to an injury that is exactly as serious as its name implies. To make matters more difficult, TBIs are as unpredictable as they are serious. One of the most complex components of TBIs is that their symptoms can be slow to present, which makes recovery that much more elusive. If someone else’s negligence leaves you with a TBI, it’s time to obtain the professional legal counsel of a dedicated Georgia personal injury attorney.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

TBIs are caused by an impact to the head or by the severe shaking of the head, and they are associated with a vast array of physical, sensory, and cognitive symptoms. The Mayo Clinic shares all the following symptoms for mild to moderate TBIs:

Physical Symptoms – Losing consciousness, being in a dazed and confused state, losing one’s balance or feeling dizzy, having a serious headache, being nauseated (or vomiting), feeling suddenly fatigued or drowsy, having sudden speech problems, and/or having new sleep difficulties (including sleeping more than is usual)
Sensory Symptoms – Experiencing blurred vision, ringing in the ears, changes in one’s sense of smell, and/or a bad taste in one’s mouth
Cognitive Symptoms – Having difficulties with memory or concentration, feeling depressed or anxious, and/or having pronounced mood swings

It’s important to point out that a mild TBI is only mild in comparison to more serious TBIs and still requires prompt medical attention. From here, the symptoms become even more pronounced.

The Appearance of Symptoms

TBIs are uniquely risky injuries because their victims typically bear no outward physical signs of the injury. Further, if you’ve suffered a TBI, you may not immediately recognize the effects you’re experiencing – not only because they can be subtle to begin with, but also because you’re likely not in any condition to adequately assess what you’re experiencing (such is the nature of TBIs). BrainLine, a national forum on brain injuries, shares that symptoms of TBIs can take days or even weeks to appear – and can be missed entirely. In other words, if you or someone you love has taken a blow to the head, seeking immediate medical attention is always the most prudent path forward.

Emotional Effects

The emotional symptoms of TBIs can slip under the radar before becoming even more pronounced. Some behavioral and emotional consequences can include:

Severe and abrupt mood changes
Emotional liability
Substantial increase in anxiety
Extreme irritability and frustration

These can be difficult to attribute to a brain injury, as many people experience higher stress following an accident. You might assume your emotional changes are due to other reasons, when they are really symptoms of a serious TBI.

An Experienced Forsyth County Brain Injury Attorney Can Help

The Cumming brain injury attorneys at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland understand exactly how difficult TBIs can be, and we are committed to helping you successfully navigate the path toward recovery. We’re here for you, so please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 770-887-1209 for more information today.