Those diagnosed with severe traumatic brain injury are normally found to be unconscious for an extended period following the trauma.  They usually have amnesia as to the traumatic event. When first responders see these patients at the scene of the trauma, they have very low Glasgow Coma Scores (GSC).

A GSC is a score used by paramedics and other medical professionals to determine the extent of one’s impairment from traumatic brain injury. These patients normally require hospitalization, and some require surgery in order to relieve the pressure from bleeding and inflammation in the brain. Virtually all severe traumatic brain injury patients have significant physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges that are noticeable to their friends and family members.

Q: What are other physical, mental and emotional symptoms of a traumatic brain injury?

Symptoms do not manifest themselves in the same manner for every traumatic brain injury victim. The nature, extent, and duration of symptoms vary from person to person. Physical symptoms may include paralysis or other neurological deficits, muscle weakness, impaired vision, impaired hearing, headaches, vertigo, or impaired speech.

Cognitive deficits may include impaired memory, concentration, and executive functioning. Emotional symptoms may include mood and personality changes like depression, agitation, anxiety, and impulsiveness. These symptoms can be extremely disruptive to all aspects of a person’s life.

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