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Learn about TBI - For Individuals and Families

Danger Signs in Adults

Call 911 immediately if you or a member of your family experiences any of the following symptoms after a head injury:

  • Vomiting or dizziness
  • Difficulty answering simple questions such as, "What day is it?"
  • Double vision or pupils (the black partin the middle of the eye) that are different sizes
  • Headaches that get worse
  • Blood or clear fluid from the nose or ears
  • Difficulty with walking or talking
  • Seizures (convulsions, eyes fluttering, body going stiff, staring into space or a sudden onset of a fixed stare)
  • Slurred speech

Danger Signs in Children

  • Any of the danger signs listed for adults
  • Won't stop crying
  • Can't be consoled
  • Won't nurse or eat

A General Guide to Symptoms

What is Traumatic Brain Injury?

A brain injury is any injury that results in brain cell death and loss of function. There are many ways a brain can be injured. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by an external trauma to the head or violent movement of the head, such as from a fall, car crash or being shaken. TBI may or may not be combined with loss of consciousness, an open wound or skull fracture. Brain injuries can be acute or mild and both can cause symptoms that may last for days, weeks or years.

Damage to the brain may occur at the time of injury. It may also develop after the injury due to swelling or further bleeding. Patients may have more than one type of brain injury.

Even a mild injury to the brain, sometimes referred to as a concussion, should be seen by a doctor. Most people with mild concussions are treated in an emergency department or a doctor's office. People with acute brain injuries generally stay in the hospital for further treatment.

Symptoms that May Need Further Medical Evaluation After a Brain Injury

Persons of All Ages