Common consequences of TBI may be described as being of three major types: cognitive-communicative (e.g., attention, memory, social appropriateness), physical (e.g., headaches, hearing, vision) and psychosocial/emotional deficits (e.g., anxiety, depression, irritability). Specific consequences of TBI vary from person to person depending on site, severity (mild/moderate/severe), and extent of injury to the brain. Each of these areas can impact the others. With appropriate rehabilitation and other supports, a person with TBI may be able to improve function in these areas.
Examples of common cognitive-communicative, physical, and psychosocial/emotional consequences after Mild, Moderate, and Severe TBI follow:
Common Consequences of Mild TBI
Cognitive-Communicative
Decreased attention and concentration
Decreased speed of processing
Memory problems
Getting lost or confused
Decreased awareness and insight regarding difficulties
Psychosocial/Emotional
Irritability
Depression and anxiety
Emotional mood swings
Physical
Headache
Fatigue
Sleep disturbance
Visual disturbance
Dizziness
Nausea
Balance problems
Common Consequences of Moderate and Severe TBI
Cognitive-Communicative
Decreased attention and concentration
Distractibility
Memory problems
Decreased speed of processing
Increased confusion
Perseveration
Impulsiveness
Decreased interaction skills
Decreased executive function abilities (for example, planning, organization, problem solving)
Decreased awareness of, and insight regarding, difficulties
Psychosocial/Emotional
Dependent behaviors
Apathy
Decreased lack of motivation
Irritability
Acting out
Depression
Denial of difficulties
Physical
Difficulty speaking and being understood
Physical paralysis/weakness/spasticity
Difficulties with sense of touch, temperature, movement, position
Chronic pain
Decreased bowel and bladder control
Sleep disorders
Loss of stamina
Appetite changes
Partial or total loss of vision
Weakness of eye muscles and/or double vision (diplopia)
Consequences of TBI
Common consequences of TBI may be described as being of three major types: cognitive-communicative (e.g., attention, memory, social appropriateness), physical (e.g., headaches, hearing, vision) and psychosocial/emotional deficits (e.g., anxiety, depression, irritability). Specific consequences of TBI vary from person to person depending on site, severity (mild/moderate/severe), and extent of injury to the brain. Each of these areas can impact the others. With appropriate rehabilitation and other supports, a person with TBI may be able to improve function in these areas.
Examples of common cognitive-communicative, physical, and psychosocial/emotional consequences after Mild, Moderate, and Severe TBI follow:
Common Consequences of Mild TBI
Common Consequences of Moderate and Severe TBI