After getting into an accident or experiencing an incident resulting in a head injury, you are likely to suffer from brain injuries, too. The severity can differ depending on the type of incident and your overall health.
At the most extreme end of severity, you have traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These injuries can cause grievous and even permanent damage, so you want to seek immediate medical treatment for anyone exhibiting signs.
Physical signs and complaints from the victim
Mayo Clinic discusses the signs that may point to a traumatic brain injury. In many cases, you will notice the physical signs before anything else. This is especially true if the victim suffers from disordered consciousness, such as blacking out or falling into a coma.
Pay attention to their ears and nose, too. You may notice clear fluid draining from them, which is sign of severe brain injury. Their pupils may dilate unevenly as well, though this does not happen with every TBI sufferer and is not a perfect indicator of severity despite the media attention this symptom gets.
They may also complain about internal injury or unseen pain and issues. Examples include numbness or tingling in the extremities, pinched feelings or pain, and a bad headache that worsens over time. They may also experience problems with balance, nausea and vomiting.
Mental and behavioral changes
Mentally, TBI victims often suffer from severe confusion. They may not remember what happened before the accident. They may not even remember where they are or why they are there. Some may grow belligerent and could resist medical attention. They may lash out at those around them. But these are also potential signs of a TBI, and their presence means you should seek medical attention.