Head injuries can be frightening, whether they happen to you or a loved one. When left untreated, head trauma can lead to neurological complications that may decrease quality of life.
However, it can be difficult to discern when TBI medical care is necessary.
In mild injuries, the individual may not experience immediate symptoms – even for a couple of weeks after the initial injury. Moreover, the severity of the injury and the time elapsed impacts the recovery process.
Nevertheless, learning when to seek medical care for traumatic brain injuries (TBI) is critical for the patient’s well-being.
When Should You Seek TBI Medical Care?
The answer is simple. If you’ve experienced a head injury, seek immediate medical attention. No matter the severity of the head injury, any sudden trauma can change how our brains function.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, Moody Neurorehabilitation Institute treats patients with highly personalized and specialized care. Find a location near you.
What to Do After a Traumatic Brain Injury Assess Your Symptoms
After a head injury, people may experience varying physical and neurological symptoms as time goes on.
For example, you may first experience nausea or headaches. As you begin to recover, your emotional state can alter or you could experience sleep difficulties.
Watch out for the following symptoms of a mild concussion or TBI:
- Vision problems
- New sensitivity to light or noise
- Difficulties concentrating
- Mental or brain fog
- New feelings of sadness or irritability
- Sleeping less or more than usual
Determining whether to seek medical care is difficult because head injuries may not appear serious. Oftentimes, a person who experiences head trauma may not be able to recognize they’re experiencing symptoms.
If you have a family member who has recently suffered an injury, watch carefully for anything more serious.
Disregard Common Misconceptions
Many wives tales and inaccurate pieces of advice surround traumatic brain injuries.
One common misconception about TBI is that the definitions for mild, moderate, and severe are related to how much a head injury impacts brain function – not the severity of the injury itself.
Even the smallest of head injuries can be serious depending on the individual. Notably, a child has a much lower threshold for what would be serious. Adults should always seek care as well.
Don’t Leave Your TBI Untreated
The longer TBI is left untreated, the more potential for long-term complications.
Mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression are common effects of untreated TBI. Furthermore, physical symptoms such as chronic pain or seizures are possible. A wide range of complications may develop as well, including the following:
- Hearing loss
- Sight impairments
- Sensory perception
- Speech issues
- Memory loss
Remember, if you experience a head injury, it’s important for your long-term health that you seek medical care immediately.
Moody Neurorehabilitation Institute: Leading TBI Care Providers
Since 1982, Moody Neuro has been providing TBI patients with leading rehabilitation treatment.
We create personalized treatment plans so each patient can be part of their communities once again. Each of our four facilities throughout Texas brings innovative solutions to improve our patients’ lives.
Contact us to learn more about how we can support you or your loved ones in recovering from TBI. Together, we can achieve the best possible outcome.