Traumatic brain injuries—often abbreviated as TBIs—are injuries to the brain that have an exterior source. They are usually the result of a blow to the head or a jolt to the body. Something can impact the outside of the head or cause the brain to connect with the inside of the skull. Sometimes, TBIs happen when an object pierces the skull and goes into the brain tissue, like a bullet to the brain or a piece of skull piercing the brain after an injury.
TBIs are much more common than people realize. Around 2.5 million Americans experience TBIs each year. Most of these are mild TBIs—also known as concussions—but TBI leads to around 50,000 deaths and 80,000 permanent disabilities each year, as well. Service members are at a higher risk of experiencing TBIs, with studies suggesting that close to 70 percent of all military veterans in the United States have experienced one or more TBIs. Because of the tremendous likelihood that a service member will sustain a TBI, it is crucial to know the symptoms of TBI in Veterans.
The signs and symptoms of a TBI can vary. Generally speaking, the more severe the injury, the more dramatic and apparent the symptoms will be. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that even victims with severe TBIs may not initially show severe symptoms. Symptoms can escalate in the days or weeks following an accident. Therefore, it is vital for any Veteran experiencing a TBI to get medical care as soon as possible.
For mild traumatic brain injuries, the most common symptoms include
The Veteran may experience a loss of consciousness for a brief period or just feel disoriented and confused. They may also have cognitive issues, including memory and concentration problems. Veterans may need to sleep more than usual or have difficulty sleeping. What many people do not know is that mood changes are also a symptom of TBI. For Veterans, these mood changes could be confused with other issues, like PTSD.
For moderate to severe head injuries, victims may experience any of the above symptoms, along with a lengthy loss of consciousness, convulsions, seizures, pupil dilation, clear fluid leaking from the nose or ears, and weakness in fingers or toes. The cognitive and emotional symptoms are also more severe and can include profound confusion, slurred speech, being agitated or combative. Comas and other consciousness disorders may be the most obvious sign of a TBI.
The above-described symptoms are general for any person who experiences a TBI. However, there have not been as many studies on the effects of brain injuries in Veterans. One thing that sets them apart from much of the civilian population is the likelihood of repeat TBIs. Much like many types of professional athletes, Veterans—especially those in combat scenarios—may suffer repeated mild TBIs.
Concussions were once dismissed as relatively insignificant injuries. After all, the symptoms appear to clear up on their own and do not leave apparent lasting effects. However, recent medical research has suggested that the effect of multiple concussions can be cumulative, leading to moderate to severe brain damage in people over time. They can impact different parts of the brain and may be linked to increases in impulsivity, violent behavior, and more.
Most people who are familiar with this phenomenon know about it because of professional athletes—particularly football players. However, service members who experience repeated head injuries can have the same type of cumulative effects. That is why it is critical to recognize symptoms of TBIs in service members and Veterans, and get immediate and ongoing medical treatment.
If you notice symptoms of TBI in a Veteran, it is vital to get immediate medical attention. Even if the event that led to the TBI was years ago, the sooner a person receives medical care, the better their outcome. Medical documentation of the injury can also help Veterans establish a claim for disability benefits. Schedule a free case evaluation with a lawyer at Fight4Vets to learn more.
