How do I know if I have Traumatic brain injury (TBI)?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is diagnosed through a combination of clinical assessment, physical examination, and neurological imaging to identify functional or structural brain changes following a head impact. If you suspect a TBI, you should monitor for persistent cognitive, physical, or emotional changes and seek professional evaluation to differentiate these from normal physiological recovery.

What are the early signs of a traumatic brain injury?

Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury vary widely depending on the severity of the impact. While some symptoms appear immediately, others may take days to manifest. Common indicators include:

• Persistent headaches or a feeling of pressure in the head.


• Confusion, disorientation, or "feeling slowed down."


• Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness.


• Increased sensitivity to light or noise.


• Difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, or irritability.

When is a traumatic brain injury considered a medical emergency?

Seek emergency care immediately if you experience "red flag" symptoms, which suggest a severe traumatic brain injury. These include loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, seizures, slurred speech, one pupil appearing larger than the other, or a headache that worsens and does not subside. These signs indicate potential intracranial complications that require urgent intervention.

How is a traumatic brain injury diagnosed?

To evaluate for a traumatic brain injury, physicians typically use the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) to assess neurological function. If a traumatic brain injury is suspected, doctors may order a CT scan or MRI to check for bleeding, swelling, or bruising of the brain. Because some TBIs are "invisible" on standard imaging, your doctor may also perform a comprehensive neurological exam to test your reflexes, coordination, and cognitive processing speed.

How can I advocate for my health?

If you feel your symptoms are being dismissed, keep a daily symptom log detailing your cognitive and physical challenges. When speaking to your doctor, be specific: instead of saying "I don't feel right," say, "I have been experiencing persistent memory gaps and light sensitivity since my injury, and it is impacting my ability to work." You have the right to request a referral to a neurologist or a specialist in brain injury rehabilitation.

Next steps

• Consult a neurologist or physiatrist to discuss your specific history of head trauma.


• Connect with the 23 members of the DiseaseMaps community living with traumatic brain injury for shared experiences.


• Rest your brain by limiting screen time and cognitive exertion during the acute recovery phase.

Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

References

• NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS): Traumatic Brain Injury Information Page.


• Mayo Clinic: Traumatic Brain Injury - Symptoms and Causes.


• CDC: Basics of Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion.


• Brain Injury Association of America: Understanding TBI.