What Are Concussion Symptoms
& Signs of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
What Are Concussion Symptoms and Signs of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
When most people think of concussions, they mostly think about headaches, dizziness, and pain associated with the impact. Note that these can vary widely from person to person, and they may not always appear immediately after the injury. Here is a list of common signs and symptoms:
Physical
Symptoms:
Headache
This is one of the most common symptoms.
Nausea and vomiting
Especially in the initial hours after the injury.
Dizziness or balance problems
This is one of the most common symptoms.
Blurred vision or other visual disturbances
Such as seeing double or sensitivity to light.
Sensitivity to noise
Sounds may seem louder or more bothersome.
Fatigue or drowsiness
Feeling unusually tired.
Ringing in the ears
(Tinnitus).
Loss of consciousness
Though not always present.
Cognitive Symptoms:
Confusion or feeling "foggy"
Difficulty thinking clearly.
Difficulty concentrating or focusing
Trouble paying attention.
Memory problems
Difficulty remembering events before or after the injury.
Feeling dazed or stunned
Appearing confused or disoriented.
Slowed reaction time
Difficulty responding quickly.
Emotional or Behavioral Symptoms:
Irritability or increased emotional sensitivity
Feeling easily agitated or upset.
Anxiety or nervousness
Feeling worried or uneasy.
Sadness or depression
Feeling down or hopeless.
Changes in sleep patterns
Difficulty falling asleep, sleeping too much, or having disturbed sleep.
We are here to tell you that there are MANY things to consider in addition to the head, spine, and the muscles controlling them. For example, most people never think about blood pressure, heart rate changes, or the importance of blood sugar stability and the proper essential fatty acid intake during the acute phase.
Concussion Symptoms with a
Brain Stem Injury
The first thing that happens in concussion, is that neurons are stretched, twisted, and injured at the areas of contact, and deep within the brain. The biggest problem with injuries deep within the brain is that the brain stem is injured and it houses long tracts that connect different parts of the brain. As a result, the symptoms that can occur when the brain stem is injured in a concussion as listed below:
- Heart rate variability
- Develop poor gut function
- Leaky gut
- Dysbiosis
- Constipation/diarrhea
- Dry eyes and dry mouth
- Balance issues
- Coordination issues
- Fatigue
- Sound sensitivity
- Light sensitivity
- Tinnitus or ringing in the ears
- Double vision
- Vision problems
- Lightheadedness
Concussion Symptoms with a
Cerebral Cortex Injury
When you have Cortical injury or the areas of the cerebral cortex are injured (Frontal Lobe, Parietal Lobe, Temporal Lobe, Basal Ganglia), you often experience the following symptoms:
- Heart rate variability
- Develop poor gut function
- Leaky gut
- Dysbiosis
- Constipation/diarrhea
- Dry eyes and dry mouth
- Balance issues
- Coordination issues
- Fatigue
- Sound sensitivity
- Light sensitivity
- Tinnitus or ringing in the ears
- Double vision
- Vision problems
- Lightheadedness
Concussion Symptoms with a
Cerebellum Injury
Injury to the Cerebellum with a concussion is very a bad thing, but it is also a very common occurrence with concussions. The cerebellum is called “the little brain” because it actually has more neurons than the entire brain itself. The cerebellum is involved in every aspect of information that comes into and/or leaves the brain. It controls the following:
- Muscle Tone
- Motor Coordination
- Thoughts
- Emotions
- Balance
- Controls Vestibular Output
- Controls Posture
- Responsible for Dizziness
- Integrates all Parts of the Brain Constantly
Diagnostic Testing
For Concussion / TBI Treatment
Our diagnostic testing helps to determine which parts of the brain are involved, and to what extent. Our physical examination helps determine how well your brain is being fueled, and how hard we can push you to rehab. If you have concerns about any of these areas of your brain, please be sure to contact us.
If you or someone you know is suffering from a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) and you are located in Chandler, Gilbert, or the Phoenix area, contact us immediately to start your concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) treatment and begin your healing journey today.
Common Causes of Concussions & Traumatic Brain Injuries
The most common causes of a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) include:
Falls
The leading cause of TBIs, especially in young children and older adults, often occurring at home, on stairs, or in slippery areas.
Motor Vehicle / Car Accidents
Car, motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents frequently result in head injuries due to sudden impact or whiplash.
Sports Injuries
Contact sports like football, hockey, soccer, and boxing, as well as recreational activities like skiing or skateboarding, pose a high risk of concussions.
Workplace Accidents
Construction sites, warehouses, and industrial jobs often involve risks of falling objects, slips, or machinery-related head injuries.
Violence and Assault
Physical altercations, domestic violence, and gunshot wounds can result in serious head trauma.
Explosions and Blasts
Common among military personnel, blast-related injuries can cause TBIs even without direct head impact.
Being Struck by an Object
Accidental hits to the head, whether from falling debris, collisions, or swinging objects, can lead to concussions.
Even mild head injuries should be taken seriously, as symptoms may not appear immediately but can have lasting effects.
