====== Traumatic brain injury clinical features ======


[[Traumatic brain injury]] (TBI) can cause a wide range of [[clinical features]] depending on the severity and location of the injury. 


Symptoms that may appear immediately:

Loss of consciousness (can range from brief seconds to prolonged coma)

Headache

Dizziness

Confusion

Nausea or vomiting

Fatigue

Blurred vision

Ringing in the ears

Difficulty concentrating

Difficulty speaking

Seizures

Symptoms that may develop over time:

Emotional problems such as irritability, frustration, or depression

Difficulty sleeping

Difficulty thinking clearly or making decisions

Memory problems

Speech problems

Sensory problems (like numbness or tingling)

Balance problems

Coordination problems

Weakness in arms or legs

Here are some additional points to consider:

Infants and young children may not be able to communicate their symptoms.

People with pre-existing medical conditions may experience different symptoms or have a more complex recovery.
----
When a detailed history is unavailable, remember: the loss of [[consciousness]] may have preceded (and possibly have caused) the [[trauma]]. Therefore, maintain an index of suspicion for e.g. [[aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage]], [[hypoglycemia]], etc. in the [[differential diagnosis]] of the causes of trauma and associated [[coma]].

==== Delayed deterioration ====
≈ 15% of patients who do not initially exhibit signs of significant brain injury may deteriorate in a delayed fashion, sometimes referred to as patients who “talk and deteriorate” or when more lethal, patient who “talk and die”.