🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 40 (from laksa197)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa040.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/traumatic-brain-injury\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20378557","crawl_time":1775080381,"first_indexed_time":1512220847,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,mayoclinic!www,\/diseases-conditions\/traumatic-brain-injury\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20378557 s443","src_root_hash":"1608882045018104440","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Traumatic brain injury - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic","meta_descriptions":["If a head injury causes a mild traumatic brain injury, long-term problems are rare. But a severe injury can mean significant problems."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Overview\nTraumatic brain injury usually results from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. An object that goes through brain tissue, such as a bullet or shattered piece of skull, also can cause traumatic brain injury.\nMild traumatic brain injury may affect your brain cells temporarily. More-serious traumatic brain injury can result in bruising, torn tissues, bleeding and other physical damage to the brain. These injuries can result in long-term complications or death.\nProducts & Services\nTraumatic brain injury can have wide-ranging physical and psychological effects. Some signs or symptoms may appear immediately after the traumatic event, while others may appear days or weeks later.\nMild traumatic brain injury\nThe signs and symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury may include:\nPhysical symptoms\nHeadache\nNausea or vomiting\nFatigue or drowsiness\nProblems with speech\nDizziness or loss of balance\nSensory symptoms\nSensory problems, such as blurred vision, ringing in the ears, a bad taste in the mouth or changes in the ability to smell\nSensitivity to light or sound\nCognitive, behavioral or mental symptoms\nLoss of consciousness for a few seconds to a few minutes\nNo loss of consciousness, but a state of being dazed, confused or disoriented\nMemory or concentration problems\nMood changes or mood swings\nFeeling depressed or anxious\nDifficulty sleeping\nSleeping more than usual\nModerate to severe traumatic brain injuries\nModerate to severe traumatic brain injuries can include any of the signs and symptoms of mild injury, as well as these symptoms that may appear within the first hours to days after a head injury:\nPhysical symptoms\nLoss of consciousness from several minutes to hours\nPersistent headache or headache that worsens\nRepeated vomiting or nausea\nConvulsions or seizures\nDilation of one or both pupils of the eyes\nClear fluids draining from the nose or ears\nInability to awaken from sleep\nWeakness or numbness in fingers and toes\nLoss of coordination\nCognitive or mental symptoms\nProfound confusion\nAgitation, combativeness or other unusual behavior\nSlurred speech\nComa and other disorders of consciousness\nChildren's symptoms\nInfants and young children with brain injuries might not be able to communicate headaches, sensory problems, confusion and similar symptoms. In a child with traumatic brain injury, you may observe:\nChange in eating or nursing habits\nUnusual or easy irritability\nPersistent crying and inability to be consoled\nChange in ability to pay attention\nChange in sleep habits\nSeizures\nSad or depressed mood\nDrowsiness\nLoss of interest in favorite toys or activities\nWhen to see a doctor\nAlways see your doctor if you or your child has received a blow to the head or body that concerns you or causes behavioral changes. Seek emergency medical care if there are any signs or symptoms of traumatic brain injury following a recent blow or other traumatic injury to the head.\nThe terms \"mild,\" \"moderate\" and \"severe\" are used to describe the effect of the injury on brain function. A mild injury to the brain is still a serious injury that requires prompt attention and an accurate diagnosis.\nFrom Mayo Clinic to your inbox\nSign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health.\nClick here for an email preview.\nWe use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our\nNotice of Privacy Practices\n. You may opt out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the email.\nCauses\nTraumatic brain injury is usually caused by a blow or other traumatic injury to the head or body. The degree of damage can depend on several factors, including the nature of the injury and the force of impact.\nCommon events causing traumatic brain injury include the following:\nFalls.\nFalls from bed or a ladder, down stairs, in the bath, and other falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury overall, particularly in older adults and young children.\nVehicle-related collisions.\nCollisions involving cars, motorcycles or bicycles — and pedestrians involved in such accidents — are a common cause of traumatic brain injury.\nViolence.\nGunshot wounds, domestic violence, child abuse and other assaults are common causes. Shaken baby syndrome is a traumatic brain injury in infants caused by violent shaking.\nSports injuries.\nTraumatic brain injuries may be caused by injuries from a number of sports, including soccer, boxing, football, baseball, lacrosse, skateboarding, hockey, and other high-impact or extreme sports. These are particularly common in youth.\nExplosive blasts and other combat injuries.\nExplosive blasts are a common cause of traumatic brain injury in active-duty military personnel. Although how the damage occurs isn't yet well understood, many researchers believe that the pressure wave passing through the brain significantly disrupts brain function.\nTraumatic brain injury also results from penetrating wounds, severe blows to the head with shrapnel or debris, and falls or bodily collisions with objects following a blast.\nRisk factors\nThe people most at risk of traumatic brain injury include:\nChildren, especially newborns to 4-year-olds\nYoung adults, especially those between ages 15 and 24\nAdults age 60 and older\nMales in any age group\nComplications\nSeveral complications can occur immediately or soon after a traumatic brain injury. Severe injuries increase the risk of a greater number of and more-severe complications.\nAltered consciousness\nModerate to severe traumatic brain injury can result in prolonged or permanent changes in a person's state of consciousness, awareness or responsiveness. Different states of consciousness include:\nComa.\nA person in a coma is unconscious, unaware of anything and unable to respond to any stimulus. This results from widespread damage to all parts of the brain. After a few days to a few weeks, a person may emerge from a coma or enter a vegetative state.\nVegetative state.\nWidespread damage to the brain can result in a vegetative state. Although the person is unaware of surroundings, he or she may open his or her eyes, make sounds, respond to reflexes, or move.\nIt's possible that a vegetative state can become permanent, but often individuals progress to a minimally conscious state.\nMinimally conscious state.\nA minimally conscious state is a condition of severely altered consciousness but with some signs of self-awareness or awareness of one's environment. It is sometimes a transitional state from a coma or vegetative condition to greater recovery.\nBrain death.\nWhen there is no measurable activity in the brain and the brainstem, this is called brain death. In a person who has been declared brain dead, removal of breathing devices will result in cessation of breathing and eventual heart failure. Brain death is considered irreversible.\nPhysical complications\nSeizures.\nSome people with traumatic brain injury will develop seizures. The seizures may occur only in the early stages, or years after the injury. Recurrent seizures are called post-traumatic epilepsy.\nFluid buildup in the brain (hydrocephalus).\nCerebrospinal fluid may build up in the spaces in the brain (cerebral ventricles) of some people who have had traumatic brain injuries, causing increased pressure and swelling in the brain.\nInfections.\nSkull fractures or penetrating wounds can tear the layers of protective tissues (meninges) that surround the brain. This can enable bacteria to enter the brain and cause infections. An infection of the meninges (meningitis) could spread to the rest of the nervous system if not treated.\nBlood vessel damage.\nSeveral small or large blood vessels in the brain may be damaged in a traumatic brain injury. This damage could lead to a stroke, blood clots or other problems.\nHeadaches.\nFrequent headaches are very common after a traumatic brain injury. They may begin within a week after the injury and could persist for as long as several months.\nVertigo.\nMany people experience vertigo, a condition characterized by dizziness, after a traumatic brain injury.\nSometimes, any or several of these symptoms might linger for a few weeks to a few months after a traumatic brain injury. When a combination of these symptoms lasts for an extended period of time, this is generally referred to as persistent post-concussive symptoms.\nTraumatic brain injuries at the base of the skull can cause nerve damage to the nerves that emerge directly from the brain (cranial nerves). Cranial nerve damage may result in:\nParalysis of facial muscles or losing sensation in the face\nLoss of or altered sense of smell or taste\nLoss of vision or double vision\nSwallowing problems\nDizziness\nRinging in the ear\nHearing loss\nIntellectual problems\nMany people who have had a significant brain injury will experience changes in their thinking (cognitive) skills. It may be more difficult to focus and take longer to process your thoughts. Traumatic brain injury can result in problems with many skills, including:\nCognitive problems\nMemory\nLearning\nReasoning\nJudgment\nAttention or concentration\nExecutive functioning problems\nProblem-solving\nMultitasking\nOrganization\nPlanning\nDecision-making\nBeginning or completing tasks\nCommunication problems\nLanguage and communications problems are common following traumatic brain injuries. These problems can cause frustration, conflict and misunderstanding for people with a traumatic brain injury, as well as family members, friends and care providers.\nCommunication problems may include:\nDifficulty understanding speech or writing\nDifficulty speaking or writing\nInability to organize thoughts and ideas\nTrouble following and participating in conversations\nCommunication problems that affect social skills may include:\nTrouble with turn taking or topic selection in conversations\nProblems with changes in tone, pitch or emphasis to express emotions, attitudes or subtle differences in meaning\nDifficulty understanding nonverbal signals\nTrouble reading cues from listeners\nTrouble starting or stopping conversations\nInability to use the muscles needed to form words (dysarthria)\nBehavioral changes\nPeople who've experienced brain injury may experience changes in behaviors. These may include:\nDifficulty with self-control\nLack of awareness of abilities\nRisky behavior\nDifficulty in social situations\nVerbal or physical outbursts\nEmotional changes\nEmotional changes may include:\nDepression\nAnxiety\nMood swings\nIrritability\nLack of empathy for others\nAnger\nInsomnia\nSensory problems\nProblems involving senses may include:\nPersistent ringing in the ears\nDifficulty recognizing objects\nImpaired hand-eye coordination\nBlind spots or double vision\nA bitter taste, a bad smell or difficulty smelling\nSkin tingling, pain or itching\nTrouble with balance or dizziness\nDegenerative brain diseases\nThe relationship between degenerative brain diseases and brain injuries is still unclear. But some research suggests that repeated or severe traumatic brain injuries might increase the risk of degenerative brain diseases. But this risk can't be predicted for an individual — and researchers are still investigating if, why and how traumatic brain injuries might be related to degenerative brain diseases.\nA degenerative brain disorder can cause gradual loss of brain functions, including:\nAlzheimer's disease, which primarily causes the progressive loss of memory and other thinking skills\nParkinson's disease, a progressive condition that causes movement problems, such as tremors, rigidity and slow movements\nDementia pugilistica — most often associated with repetitive blows to the head in career boxing — which causes symptoms of dementia and movement problems\nPrevention\nFollow these tips to reduce the risk of brain injury:\nSeat belts and airbags.\nAlways wear a seat belt in a motor vehicle. A small child should always sit in the back seat of a car secured in a child safety seat or booster seat that is appropriate for his or her size and weight.\nAlcohol and drug use.\nDon't drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications that can impair the ability to drive.\nHelmets.\nWear a helmet while riding a bicycle, skateboard, motorcycle, snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle. Also wear appropriate head protection when playing baseball or contact sports, skiing, skating, snowboarding or riding a horse.\nPay attention to your surroundings.\nDon't drive, walk or cross the street while using your phone, tablet or any smart device. These distractions can lead to accidents or falls.\nPreventing falls\nThe following tips can help older adults avoid falls around the house:\nInstall handrails in bathrooms\nPut a nonslip mat in the bathtub or shower\nRemove area rugs\nInstall handrails on both sides of staircases\nImprove lighting in the home, especially around stairs\nKeep stairs and floors clear of clutter\nGet regular vision checkups\nGet regular exercise\nPreventing head injuries in children\nThe following tips can help children avoid head injuries:\nInstall safety gates at the top of a stairway\nKeep stairs clear of clutter\nInstall window guards to prevent falls\nPut a nonslip mat in the bathtub or shower\nUse playgrounds that have shock-absorbing materials on the ground\nMake sure area rugs are secure\nDon't let children play on fire escapes or balconies","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/traumatic-brain-injury\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20378557#main-content)\n\n[![Mayo Clinic Home Page](https:\/\/assets.mayoclinic.org\/content\/dam\/mayoclinic\/images\/logos\/mayo-clinic-logo.svg)](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/)\n\n[![Mayo Clinic Home Page](https:\/\/assets.mayoclinic.org\/content\/dam\/mayoclinic\/images\/logos\/mayo-clinic-logo.svg)](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/)\n\n- [Request appointment](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/appointments)\n- [Log in](https:\/\/onlineservices.mayoclinic.org\/content\/staticpatient\/showpage\/patientonline)\n- Search\n- Menu\n  \n  [Request appointment](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/appointments)\n  \n  [Donate](https:\/\/give.mayoclinic.org\/give\/609586\/#!\/donation\/checkout)\n  \n  [Diseases & conditions](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions)\n  \n  [Find a doctor](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/appointments\/find-a-doctor)\n  \n  - 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[Diseases & Conditions](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions)\n# Traumatic brain injury\n[Request an appointment](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/appointments)\n***\n- [Symptoms & causes](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/traumatic-brain-injury\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20378557)\n- [Diagnosis & treatment](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/traumatic-brain-injury\/diagnosis-treatment\/drc-20378561)\n- [Doctors & departments](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/traumatic-brain-injury\/doctors-departments\/ddc-20378562)\n\n## On this page\n- [Overview](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/traumatic-brain-injury\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20378557#overview)\n- [Symptoms](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/traumatic-brain-injury\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20378557#symptoms)\n- [When to see a doctor](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/traumatic-brain-injury\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20378557#when-to-see-a-doctor)\n- [Causes](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/traumatic-brain-injury\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20378557#causes)\n- [Risk factors](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/traumatic-brain-injury\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20378557#risk-factors)\n- [Complications](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/traumatic-brain-injury\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20378557#complications)\n- [Prevention](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/traumatic-brain-injury\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20378557#prevention)\n\n***\n## Overview\n\nTraumatic brain injury usually results from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. An object that goes through brain tissue, such as a bullet or shattered piece of skull, also can cause traumatic brain injury.\n\nMild traumatic brain injury may affect your brain cells temporarily. More-serious traumatic brain injury can result in bruising, torn tissues, bleeding and other physical damage to the brain. These injuries can result in long-term complications or death.\n\n### Products & Services\n- [A Book: Guide to the Comatose Patient](https:\/\/order.store.mayoclinic.com\/flex\/mmv\/comap02\/?utm_source=MC-DotOrg-PS&utm_medium=Link&utm_campaign=Coma-Book&utm_content=COMA)\n\n***\n## Symptoms\n\nTraumatic brain injury can have wide-ranging physical and psychological effects. Some signs or symptoms may appear immediately after the traumatic event, while others may appear days or weeks later.\n\n### Mild traumatic brain injury\nThe signs and symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury may include:\n\nPhysical symptoms\n\n- Headache\n- Nausea or vomiting\n- Fatigue or drowsiness\n- Problems with speech\n- Dizziness or loss of balance\n\nSensory symptoms\n\n- Sensory problems, such as blurred vision, ringing in the ears, a bad taste in the mouth or changes in the ability to smell\n- Sensitivity to light or sound\n\nCognitive, behavioral or mental symptoms\n\n- Loss of consciousness for a few seconds to a few minutes\n- No loss of consciousness, but a state of being dazed, confused or disoriented\n- Memory or concentration problems\n- Mood changes or mood swings\n- Feeling depressed or anxious\n- Difficulty sleeping\n- Sleeping more than usual\n\n### Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries\nModerate to severe traumatic brain injuries can include any of the signs and symptoms of mild injury, as well as these symptoms that may appear within the first hours to days after a head injury:\n\nPhysical symptoms\n\n- Loss of consciousness from several minutes to hours\n- Persistent headache or headache that worsens\n- Repeated vomiting or nausea\n- Convulsions or seizures\n- Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes\n- Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears\n- Inability to awaken from sleep\n- Weakness or numbness in fingers and toes\n- Loss of coordination\n\nCognitive or mental symptoms\n\n- Profound confusion\n- Agitation, combativeness or other unusual behavior\n- Slurred speech\n- Coma and other disorders of consciousness\n\n### Children's symptoms\nInfants and young children with brain injuries might not be able to communicate headaches, sensory problems, confusion and similar symptoms. In a child with traumatic brain injury, you may observe:\n\n- Change in eating or nursing habits\n- Unusual or easy irritability\n- Persistent crying and inability to be consoled\n- Change in ability to pay attention\n- Change in sleep habits\n- Seizures\n- Sad or depressed mood\n- Drowsiness\n- Loss of interest in favorite toys or activities\n\n***\n## When to see a doctor\n\nAlways see your doctor if you or your child has received a blow to the head or body that concerns you or causes behavioral changes. Seek emergency medical care if there are any signs or symptoms of traumatic brain injury following a recent blow or other traumatic injury to the head.\n\nThe terms \"mild,\" \"moderate\" and \"severe\" are used to describe the effect of the injury on brain function. A mild injury to the brain is still a serious injury that requires prompt attention and an accurate diagnosis.\n\n[Request an appointment](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/appointments)\n\n## From Mayo Clinic to your inbox\nSign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. [Click here for an email preview.](https:\/\/links.e.response.mayoclinic.org\/EmailPreview-GeneralHealth)\n\nLearn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data.\n\nWe use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our [Notice of Privacy Practices](https:\/\/mcforms.mayo.edu\/mc5200-mc5299\/mc5256-01.pdf). You may opt out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the email.\n\n***\n## Causes\n\nTraumatic brain injury is usually caused by a blow or other traumatic injury to the head or body. The degree of damage can depend on several factors, including the nature of the injury and the force of impact.\n\nCommon events causing traumatic brain injury include the following:\n\n- **Falls.** Falls from bed or a ladder, down stairs, in the bath, and other falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury overall, particularly in older adults and young children.\n- **Vehicle-related collisions.** Collisions involving cars, motorcycles or bicycles — and pedestrians involved in such accidents — are a common cause of traumatic brain injury.\n- **Violence.** Gunshot wounds, domestic violence, child abuse and other assaults are common causes. Shaken baby syndrome is a traumatic brain injury in infants caused by violent shaking.\n- **Sports injuries.** Traumatic brain injuries may be caused by injuries from a number of sports, including soccer, boxing, football, baseball, lacrosse, skateboarding, hockey, and other high-impact or extreme sports. These are particularly common in youth.\n- **Explosive blasts and other combat injuries.** Explosive blasts are a common cause of traumatic brain injury in active-duty military personnel. Although how the damage occurs isn't yet well understood, many researchers believe that the pressure wave passing through the brain significantly disrupts brain function.\n  Traumatic brain injury also results from penetrating wounds, severe blows to the head with shrapnel or debris, and falls or bodily collisions with objects following a blast.\n\n***\n## Risk factors\n\nThe people most at risk of traumatic brain injury include:\n\n- Children, especially newborns to 4-year-olds\n- Young adults, especially those between ages 15 and 24\n- Adults age 60 and older\n- Males in any age group\n\n***\n## Complications\n\nSeveral complications can occur immediately or soon after a traumatic brain injury. Severe injuries increase the risk of a greater number of and more-severe complications.\n\n### Altered consciousness\nModerate to severe traumatic brain injury can result in prolonged or permanent changes in a person's state of consciousness, awareness or responsiveness. Different states of consciousness include:\n\n- **Coma.** A person in a coma is unconscious, unaware of anything and unable to respond to any stimulus. This results from widespread damage to all parts of the brain. After a few days to a few weeks, a person may emerge from a coma or enter a vegetative state.\n- **Vegetative state.** Widespread damage to the brain can result in a vegetative state. Although the person is unaware of surroundings, he or she may open his or her eyes, make sounds, respond to reflexes, or move.\n  It's possible that a vegetative state can become permanent, but often individuals progress to a minimally conscious state.\n- **Minimally conscious state.** A minimally conscious state is a condition of severely altered consciousness but with some signs of self-awareness or awareness of one's environment. It is sometimes a transitional state from a coma or vegetative condition to greater recovery.\n- **Brain death.** When there is no measurable activity in the brain and the brainstem, this is called brain death. In a person who has been declared brain dead, removal of breathing devices will result in cessation of breathing and eventual heart failure. Brain death is considered irreversible.\n\n### Physical complications\n- **Seizures.** Some people with traumatic brain injury will develop seizures. The seizures may occur only in the early stages, or years after the injury. Recurrent seizures are called post-traumatic epilepsy.\n- **Fluid buildup in the brain (hydrocephalus).** Cerebrospinal fluid may build up in the spaces in the brain (cerebral ventricles) of some people who have had traumatic brain injuries, causing increased pressure and swelling in the brain.\n- **Infections.** Skull fractures or penetrating wounds can tear the layers of protective tissues (meninges) that surround the brain. This can enable bacteria to enter the brain and cause infections. An infection of the meninges (meningitis) could spread to the rest of the nervous system if not treated.\n- **Blood vessel damage.** Several small or large blood vessels in the brain may be damaged in a traumatic brain injury. This damage could lead to a stroke, blood clots or other problems.\n- **Headaches.** Frequent headaches are very common after a traumatic brain injury. They may begin within a week after the injury and could persist for as long as several months.\n- **Vertigo.** Many people experience vertigo, a condition characterized by dizziness, after a traumatic brain injury.\n\nSometimes, any or several of these symptoms might linger for a few weeks to a few months after a traumatic brain injury. When a combination of these symptoms lasts for an extended period of time, this is generally referred to as persistent post-concussive symptoms.\n\nTraumatic brain injuries at the base of the skull can cause nerve damage to the nerves that emerge directly from the brain (cranial nerves). Cranial nerve damage may result in:\n\n- Paralysis of facial muscles or losing sensation in the face\n- Loss of or altered sense of smell or taste\n- Loss of vision or double vision\n- Swallowing problems\n- Dizziness\n- Ringing in the ear\n- Hearing loss\n\n### Intellectual problems\nMany people who have had a significant brain injury will experience changes in their thinking (cognitive) skills. It may be more difficult to focus and take longer to process your thoughts. Traumatic brain injury can result in problems with many skills, including:\n\nCognitive problems\n\n- Memory\n- Learning\n- Reasoning\n- Judgment\n- Attention or concentration\n\nExecutive functioning problems\n\n- Problem-solving\n- Multitasking\n- Organization\n- Planning\n- Decision-making\n- Beginning or completing tasks\n\n### Communication problems\nLanguage and communications problems are common following traumatic brain injuries. These problems can cause frustration, conflict and misunderstanding for people with a traumatic brain injury, as well as family members, friends and care providers.\n\nCommunication problems may include:\n\n- Difficulty understanding speech or writing\n- Difficulty speaking or writing\n- Inability to organize thoughts and ideas\n- Trouble following and participating in conversations\n\nCommunication problems that affect social skills may include:\n\n- Trouble with turn taking or topic selection in conversations\n- Problems with changes in tone, pitch or emphasis to express emotions, attitudes or subtle differences in meaning\n- Difficulty understanding nonverbal signals\n- Trouble reading cues from listeners\n- Trouble starting or stopping conversations\n- Inability to use the muscles needed to form words (dysarthria)\n\n### Behavioral changes\nPeople who've experienced brain injury may experience changes in behaviors. These may include:\n\n- Difficulty with self-control\n- Lack of awareness of abilities\n- Risky behavior\n- Difficulty in social situations\n- Verbal or physical outbursts\n\n### Emotional changes\nEmotional changes may include:\n\n- Depression\n- Anxiety\n- Mood swings\n- Irritability\n- Lack of empathy for others\n- Anger\n- Insomnia\n\n### Sensory problems\nProblems involving senses may include:\n\n- Persistent ringing in the ears\n- Difficulty recognizing objects\n- Impaired hand-eye coordination\n- Blind spots or double vision\n- A bitter taste, a bad smell or difficulty smelling\n- Skin tingling, pain or itching\n- Trouble with balance or dizziness\n\n### Degenerative brain diseases\nThe relationship between degenerative brain diseases and brain injuries is still unclear. But some research suggests that repeated or severe traumatic brain injuries might increase the risk of degenerative brain diseases. But this risk can't be predicted for an individual — and researchers are still investigating if, why and how traumatic brain injuries might be related to degenerative brain diseases.\n\nA degenerative brain disorder can cause gradual loss of brain functions, including:\n\n- Alzheimer's disease, which primarily causes the progressive loss of memory and other thinking skills\n- Parkinson's disease, a progressive condition that causes movement problems, such as tremors, rigidity and slow movements\n- Dementia pugilistica — most often associated with repetitive blows to the head in career boxing — which causes symptoms of dementia and movement problems\n\n***\n## Prevention\n\nFollow these tips to reduce the risk of brain injury:\n\n- **Seat belts and airbags.** Always wear a seat belt in a motor vehicle. A small child should always sit in the back seat of a car secured in a child safety seat or booster seat that is appropriate for his or her size and weight.\n- **Alcohol and drug use.** Don't drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications that can impair the ability to drive.\n- **Helmets.** Wear a helmet while riding a bicycle, skateboard, motorcycle, snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle. Also wear appropriate head protection when playing baseball or contact sports, skiing, skating, snowboarding or riding a horse.\n- **Pay attention to your surroundings.** Don't drive, walk or cross the street while using your phone, tablet or any smart device. These distractions can lead to accidents or falls.\n\n### Preventing falls\nThe following tips can help older adults avoid falls around the house:\n\n- Install handrails in bathrooms\n- Put a nonslip mat in the bathtub or shower\n- Remove area rugs\n- Install handrails on both sides of staircases\n- Improve lighting in the home, especially around stairs\n- Keep stairs and floors clear of clutter\n- Get regular vision checkups\n- Get regular exercise\n\n### Preventing head injuries in children\nThe following tips can help children avoid head injuries:\n\n- Install safety gates at the top of a stairway\n- Keep stairs clear of clutter\n- Install window guards to prevent falls\n- Put a nonslip mat in the bathtub or shower\n- Use playgrounds that have shock-absorbing materials on the ground\n- Make sure area rugs are secure\n- Don't let children play on fire escapes or balconies\n\n[Request an appointment](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/appointments)\n***\n[By Mayo Clinic Staff](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/about-this-site\/meet-our-medical-editors)\n\nFeb 04, 2021\n\n[Print](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/traumatic-brain-injury\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20378557?p=1)\n\nShow References\n\n1. Traumatic brain injury: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/Disorders\/Patient-Caregiver-Education\/Hope-Through-Research\/Traumatic-Brain-Injury-Hope-Through. Accessed Dec. 17, 2020.\n2. Traumatic brain injury (TBI). American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. https:\/\/www.asha.org\/public\/speech\/disorders\/traumatic-brain-injury\/. Accessed Dec. 17, 2020.\n3. Goldman L, et al., eds. Traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https:\/\/www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 17, 2020.\n4. Traumatic brain injury. Alzheimer's Association. https:\/\/www.alz.org\/alzheimers-dementia\/what-is-dementia\/related\\_conditions\/traumatic-brain-injury. Accessed Dec. 17, 2020.\n5. Evans RW, et al. Acute mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) in adults. https:\/\/www.uptodate.com\/contents\/search. Accessed Dec. 17, 2020.\n6. Kasper DL, et al., eds. Concussion and other traumatic brain injuries. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 20th ed. McGraw-Hill Education; 2018. https:\/\/accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed Dec. 17, 2020.\n7. Hemphill JC. Traumatic brain injury: Epidemiology, classification, and pathophysiology. https:\/\/www.uptodate.com\/contents\/search. Accessed Jan. 6, 2021.\n8. Weinhouse GL. Hypoxic-ischemic brain injury: Evaluation and prognosis. https:\/\/www.uptodate.com\/contents\/search. Accessed Oct. 16, 2017.\n9. McCrory P, et al. Consensus statement on concussion in sport — The 5th international conference on concussion in sport held in Berlin, October 2016. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2017;51:838.\n10. Adams JG, et al., eds. Traumatic brain injury (adult). In: Emergency Medicine: Clinical Essentials. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2013. https:\/\/www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 6, 2021.\n11. Hemphill JC. Management of acute severe traumatic brain injury. https:\/\/www.uptodate.com\/contents\/search. Accessed Jan. 6, 2021.\n12. Traumatic brain injury & concussion prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/traumaticbraininjury\/prevention.html. Accessed Jan. 6, 2021.\n13. Medical review (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. DATE.\n14. Schultzman S. Minor blunt head trauma in children (≥2 years): Clinical features and evaluation. https:\/\/www.uptodate.com\/contents\/search. Accessed Jan. 6, 2021.\n15. Traumatic brain injury. Family Caregiver Alliance. https:\/\/www.caregiver.org\/traumatic-brain-injury. Accessed Jan. 6, 2021.\n16. Carney N, et al. Guidelines for the management of severe traumatic brain injury. Neurosurgery. 4th ed. 2017; doi:10.1227\/NEU.0000000000001432.\n17. Heads up to youth sports: Clipboard concussion information sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/headsup\/youthsports\/coach.html. Accessed Jan. 6, 2021.\n18. What can I do to help feel better after a traumatic brain injury? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/traumaticbraininjury\/recovery.html. Accessed Jan. 6, 2021.\n19. Traumatic brain injury & concussion: Signs and symptoms. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/traumaticbraininjury\/symptoms.html. Accessed Jan. 6, 2021.\n20. Medical review (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. DATE.\n21. Pediatric traumatic brain injury. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. https:\/\/www.asha.org\/practice-portal\/clinical-topics\/pediatric-traumatic-brain-injury\/\\#collapse\\_2. Accessed Jan. 6, 2021.\n22. Mendez MF. What is the relationship of traumatic brain injury to dementia? Journal of Alzheimer's disease. 2017; doi:10.3233\/JAD-161002.\n\n[Diagnosis & treatment](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/traumatic-brain-injury\/diagnosis-treatment\/drc-20378561)\n\n1. 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All rights reserved.\n\nLanguage:\n\nEnglish\n\n- [English](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/traumatic-brain-injury\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20378557)\n- [Español](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/es\/diseases-conditions\/traumatic-brain-injury\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20378557)\n- [العربية](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/ar\/diseases-conditions\/traumatic-brain-injury\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20378557)\n- [简体中文](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/zh-hans\/diseases-conditions\/traumatic-brain-injury\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20378557)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Overview\n\nTraumatic brain injury usually results from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. An object that goes through brain tissue, such as a bullet or shattered piece of skull, also can cause traumatic brain injury.\n\nMild traumatic brain injury may affect your brain cells temporarily. More-serious traumatic brain injury can result in bruising, torn tissues, bleeding and other physical damage to the brain. These injuries can result in long-term complications or death.\n\nProducts & Services\n\nTraumatic brain injury can have wide-ranging physical and psychological effects. Some signs or symptoms may appear immediately after the traumatic event, while others may appear days or weeks later.\n\n### Mild traumatic brain injury\nThe signs and symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury may include:\n\nPhysical symptoms\n\n- Headache\n- Nausea or vomiting\n- Fatigue or drowsiness\n- Problems with speech\n- Dizziness or loss of balance\n\nSensory symptoms\n\n- Sensory problems, such as blurred vision, ringing in the ears, a bad taste in the mouth or changes in the ability to smell\n- Sensitivity to light or sound\n\nCognitive, behavioral or mental symptoms\n\n- Loss of consciousness for a few seconds to a few minutes\n- No loss of consciousness, but a state of being dazed, confused or disoriented\n- Memory or concentration problems\n- Mood changes or mood swings\n- Feeling depressed or anxious\n- Difficulty sleeping\n- Sleeping more than usual\n\n### Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries\nModerate to severe traumatic brain injuries can include any of the signs and symptoms of mild injury, as well as these symptoms that may appear within the first hours to days after a head injury:\n\nPhysical symptoms\n\n- Loss of consciousness from several minutes to hours\n- Persistent headache or headache that worsens\n- Repeated vomiting or nausea\n- Convulsions or seizures\n- Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes\n- Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears\n- Inability to awaken from sleep\n- Weakness or numbness in fingers and toes\n- Loss of coordination\n\nCognitive or mental symptoms\n\n- Profound confusion\n- Agitation, combativeness or other unusual behavior\n- Slurred speech\n- Coma and other disorders of consciousness\n\n### Children's symptoms\nInfants and young children with brain injuries might not be able to communicate headaches, sensory problems, confusion and similar symptoms. In a child with traumatic brain injury, you may observe:\n\n- Change in eating or nursing habits\n- Unusual or easy irritability\n- Persistent crying and inability to be consoled\n- Change in ability to pay attention\n- Change in sleep habits\n- Seizures\n- Sad or depressed mood\n- Drowsiness\n- Loss of interest in favorite toys or activities\n\nWhen to see a doctor\n\nAlways see your doctor if you or your child has received a blow to the head or body that concerns you or causes behavioral changes. Seek emergency medical care if there are any signs or symptoms of traumatic brain injury following a recent blow or other traumatic injury to the head.\n\nThe terms \"mild,\" \"moderate\" and \"severe\" are used to describe the effect of the injury on brain function. A mild injury to the brain is still a serious injury that requires prompt attention and an accurate diagnosis.\n\nFrom Mayo Clinic to your inbox\n\nSign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. [Click here for an email preview.](https:\/\/links.e.response.mayoclinic.org\/EmailPreview-GeneralHealth)\n\nWe use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our [Notice of Privacy Practices](https:\/\/mcforms.mayo.edu\/mc5200-mc5299\/mc5256-01.pdf). You may opt out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the email.\n\nCauses\n\nTraumatic brain injury is usually caused by a blow or other traumatic injury to the head or body. The degree of damage can depend on several factors, including the nature of the injury and the force of impact.\n\nCommon events causing traumatic brain injury include the following:\n\n- **Falls.** Falls from bed or a ladder, down stairs, in the bath, and other falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury overall, particularly in older adults and young children.\n- **Vehicle-related collisions.** Collisions involving cars, motorcycles or bicycles — and pedestrians involved in such accidents — are a common cause of traumatic brain injury.\n- **Violence.** Gunshot wounds, domestic violence, child abuse and other assaults are common causes. Shaken baby syndrome is a traumatic brain injury in infants caused by violent shaking.\n- **Sports injuries.** Traumatic brain injuries may be caused by injuries from a number of sports, including soccer, boxing, football, baseball, lacrosse, skateboarding, hockey, and other high-impact or extreme sports. These are particularly common in youth.\n- **Explosive blasts and other combat injuries.** Explosive blasts are a common cause of traumatic brain injury in active-duty military personnel. Although how the damage occurs isn't yet well understood, many researchers believe that the pressure wave passing through the brain significantly disrupts brain function.\n  Traumatic brain injury also results from penetrating wounds, severe blows to the head with shrapnel or debris, and falls or bodily collisions with objects following a blast.\n\nRisk factors\n\nThe people most at risk of traumatic brain injury include:\n\n- Children, especially newborns to 4-year-olds\n- Young adults, especially those between ages 15 and 24\n- Adults age 60 and older\n- Males in any age group\n\nComplications\n\nSeveral complications can occur immediately or soon after a traumatic brain injury. Severe injuries increase the risk of a greater number of and more-severe complications.\n\n### Altered consciousness\nModerate to severe traumatic brain injury can result in prolonged or permanent changes in a person's state of consciousness, awareness or responsiveness. Different states of consciousness include:\n\n- **Coma.** A person in a coma is unconscious, unaware of anything and unable to respond to any stimulus. This results from widespread damage to all parts of the brain. After a few days to a few weeks, a person may emerge from a coma or enter a vegetative state.\n- **Vegetative state.** Widespread damage to the brain can result in a vegetative state. Although the person is unaware of surroundings, he or she may open his or her eyes, make sounds, respond to reflexes, or move.\n  It's possible that a vegetative state can become permanent, but often individuals progress to a minimally conscious state.\n- **Minimally conscious state.** A minimally conscious state is a condition of severely altered consciousness but with some signs of self-awareness or awareness of one's environment. It is sometimes a transitional state from a coma or vegetative condition to greater recovery.\n- **Brain death.** When there is no measurable activity in the brain and the brainstem, this is called brain death. In a person who has been declared brain dead, removal of breathing devices will result in cessation of breathing and eventual heart failure. Brain death is considered irreversible.\n\n### Physical complications\n- **Seizures.** Some people with traumatic brain injury will develop seizures. The seizures may occur only in the early stages, or years after the injury. Recurrent seizures are called post-traumatic epilepsy.\n- **Fluid buildup in the brain (hydrocephalus).** Cerebrospinal fluid may build up in the spaces in the brain (cerebral ventricles) of some people who have had traumatic brain injuries, causing increased pressure and swelling in the brain.\n- **Infections.** Skull fractures or penetrating wounds can tear the layers of protective tissues (meninges) that surround the brain. This can enable bacteria to enter the brain and cause infections. An infection of the meninges (meningitis) could spread to the rest of the nervous system if not treated.\n- **Blood vessel damage.** Several small or large blood vessels in the brain may be damaged in a traumatic brain injury. This damage could lead to a stroke, blood clots or other problems.\n- **Headaches.** Frequent headaches are very common after a traumatic brain injury. They may begin within a week after the injury and could persist for as long as several months.\n- **Vertigo.** Many people experience vertigo, a condition characterized by dizziness, after a traumatic brain injury.\n\nSometimes, any or several of these symptoms might linger for a few weeks to a few months after a traumatic brain injury. When a combination of these symptoms lasts for an extended period of time, this is generally referred to as persistent post-concussive symptoms.\n\nTraumatic brain injuries at the base of the skull can cause nerve damage to the nerves that emerge directly from the brain (cranial nerves). Cranial nerve damage may result in:\n\n- Paralysis of facial muscles or losing sensation in the face\n- Loss of or altered sense of smell or taste\n- Loss of vision or double vision\n- Swallowing problems\n- Dizziness\n- Ringing in the ear\n- Hearing loss\n\n### Intellectual problems\nMany people who have had a significant brain injury will experience changes in their thinking (cognitive) skills. It may be more difficult to focus and take longer to process your thoughts. Traumatic brain injury can result in problems with many skills, including:\n\nCognitive problems\n\n- Memory\n- Learning\n- Reasoning\n- Judgment\n- Attention or concentration\n\nExecutive functioning problems\n\n- Problem-solving\n- Multitasking\n- Organization\n- Planning\n- Decision-making\n- Beginning or completing tasks\n\n### Communication problems\nLanguage and communications problems are common following traumatic brain injuries. These problems can cause frustration, conflict and misunderstanding for people with a traumatic brain injury, as well as family members, friends and care providers.\n\nCommunication problems may include:\n\n- Difficulty understanding speech or writing\n- Difficulty speaking or writing\n- Inability to organize thoughts and ideas\n- Trouble following and participating in conversations\n\nCommunication problems that affect social skills may include:\n\n- Trouble with turn taking or topic selection in conversations\n- Problems with changes in tone, pitch or emphasis to express emotions, attitudes or subtle differences in meaning\n- Difficulty understanding nonverbal signals\n- Trouble reading cues from listeners\n- Trouble starting or stopping conversations\n- Inability to use the muscles needed to form words (dysarthria)\n\n### Behavioral changes\nPeople who've experienced brain injury may experience changes in behaviors. These may include:\n\n- Difficulty with self-control\n- Lack of awareness of abilities\n- Risky behavior\n- Difficulty in social situations\n- Verbal or physical outbursts\n\n### Emotional changes\nEmotional changes may include:\n\n- Depression\n- Anxiety\n- Mood swings\n- Irritability\n- Lack of empathy for others\n- Anger\n- Insomnia\n\n### Sensory problems\nProblems involving senses may include:\n\n- Persistent ringing in the ears\n- Difficulty recognizing objects\n- Impaired hand-eye coordination\n- Blind spots or double vision\n- A bitter taste, a bad smell or difficulty smelling\n- Skin tingling, pain or itching\n- Trouble with balance or dizziness\n\n### Degenerative brain diseases\nThe relationship between degenerative brain diseases and brain injuries is still unclear. But some research suggests that repeated or severe traumatic brain injuries might increase the risk of degenerative brain diseases. But this risk can't be predicted for an individual — and researchers are still investigating if, why and how traumatic brain injuries might be related to degenerative brain diseases.\n\nA degenerative brain disorder can cause gradual loss of brain functions, including:\n\n- Alzheimer's disease, which primarily causes the progressive loss of memory and other thinking skills\n- Parkinson's disease, a progressive condition that causes movement problems, such as tremors, rigidity and slow movements\n- Dementia pugilistica — most often associated with repetitive blows to the head in career boxing — which causes symptoms of dementia and movement problems\n\nPrevention\n\nFollow these tips to reduce the risk of brain injury:\n\n- **Seat belts and airbags.** Always wear a seat belt in a motor vehicle. A small child should always sit in the back seat of a car secured in a child safety seat or booster seat that is appropriate for his or her size and weight.\n- **Alcohol and drug use.** Don't drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications that can impair the ability to drive.\n- **Helmets.** Wear a helmet while riding a bicycle, skateboard, motorcycle, snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle. Also wear appropriate head protection when playing baseball or contact sports, skiing, skating, snowboarding or riding a horse.\n- **Pay attention to your surroundings.** Don't drive, walk or cross the street while using your phone, tablet or any smart device. These distractions can lead to accidents or falls.\n\n### Preventing falls\nThe following tips can help older adults avoid falls around the house:\n\n- Install handrails in bathrooms\n- Put a nonslip mat in the bathtub or shower\n- Remove area rugs\n- Install handrails on both sides of staircases\n- Improve lighting in the home, especially around stairs\n- Keep stairs and floors clear of clutter\n- Get regular vision checkups\n- Get regular exercise\n\n### Preventing head injuries in children\nThe following tips can help children avoid head injuries:\n\n- Install safety gates at the top of a stairway\n- Keep stairs clear of clutter\n- Install window guards to prevent falls\n- Put a nonslip mat in the bathtub or shower\n- Use playgrounds that have shock-absorbing materials on the ground\n- Make sure area rugs are secure\n- Don't let children play on fire escapes or balconies","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557
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Meta Title	Traumatic brain injury - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic
Meta Description	If a head injury causes a mild traumatic brain injury, long-term problems are rare. But a severe injury can mean significant problems.
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Boilerpipe Text	Overview Traumatic brain injury usually results from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. An object that goes through brain tissue, such as a bullet or shattered piece of skull, also can cause traumatic brain injury. Mild traumatic brain injury may affect your brain cells temporarily. More-serious traumatic brain injury can result in bruising, torn tissues, bleeding and other physical damage to the brain. These injuries can result in long-term complications or death. Products & Services Traumatic brain injury can have wide-ranging physical and psychological effects. Some signs or symptoms may appear immediately after the traumatic event, while others may appear days or weeks later. Mild traumatic brain injury The signs and symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury may include: Physical symptoms Headache Nausea or vomiting Fatigue or drowsiness Problems with speech Dizziness or loss of balance Sensory symptoms Sensory problems, such as blurred vision, ringing in the ears, a bad taste in the mouth or changes in the ability to smell Sensitivity to light or sound Cognitive, behavioral or mental symptoms Loss of consciousness for a few seconds to a few minutes No loss of consciousness, but a state of being dazed, confused or disoriented Memory or concentration problems Mood changes or mood swings Feeling depressed or anxious Difficulty sleeping Sleeping more than usual Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries can include any of the signs and symptoms of mild injury, as well as these symptoms that may appear within the first hours to days after a head injury: Physical symptoms Loss of consciousness from several minutes to hours Persistent headache or headache that worsens Repeated vomiting or nausea Convulsions or seizures Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears Inability to awaken from sleep Weakness or numbness in fingers and toes Loss of coordination Cognitive or mental symptoms Profound confusion Agitation, combativeness or other unusual behavior Slurred speech Coma and other disorders of consciousness Children's symptoms Infants and young children with brain injuries might not be able to communicate headaches, sensory problems, confusion and similar symptoms. In a child with traumatic brain injury, you may observe: Change in eating or nursing habits Unusual or easy irritability Persistent crying and inability to be consoled Change in ability to pay attention Change in sleep habits Seizures Sad or depressed mood Drowsiness Loss of interest in favorite toys or activities When to see a doctor Always see your doctor if you or your child has received a blow to the head or body that concerns you or causes behavioral changes. Seek emergency medical care if there are any signs or symptoms of traumatic brain injury following a recent blow or other traumatic injury to the head. The terms "mild," "moderate" and "severe" are used to describe the effect of the injury on brain function. A mild injury to the brain is still a serious injury that requires prompt attention and an accurate diagnosis. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview. We use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our Notice of Privacy Practices . You may opt out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the email. Causes Traumatic brain injury is usually caused by a blow or other traumatic injury to the head or body. The degree of damage can depend on several factors, including the nature of the injury and the force of impact. Common events causing traumatic brain injury include the following: Falls. Falls from bed or a ladder, down stairs, in the bath, and other falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury overall, particularly in older adults and young children. Vehicle-related collisions. Collisions involving cars, motorcycles or bicycles — and pedestrians involved in such accidents — are a common cause of traumatic brain injury. Violence. Gunshot wounds, domestic violence, child abuse and other assaults are common causes. Shaken baby syndrome is a traumatic brain injury in infants caused by violent shaking. Sports injuries. Traumatic brain injuries may be caused by injuries from a number of sports, including soccer, boxing, football, baseball, lacrosse, skateboarding, hockey, and other high-impact or extreme sports. These are particularly common in youth. Explosive blasts and other combat injuries. Explosive blasts are a common cause of traumatic brain injury in active-duty military personnel. Although how the damage occurs isn't yet well understood, many researchers believe that the pressure wave passing through the brain significantly disrupts brain function. Traumatic brain injury also results from penetrating wounds, severe blows to the head with shrapnel or debris, and falls or bodily collisions with objects following a blast. Risk factors The people most at risk of traumatic brain injury include: Children, especially newborns to 4-year-olds Young adults, especially those between ages 15 and 24 Adults age 60 and older Males in any age group Complications Several complications can occur immediately or soon after a traumatic brain injury. Severe injuries increase the risk of a greater number of and more-severe complications. Altered consciousness Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury can result in prolonged or permanent changes in a person's state of consciousness, awareness or responsiveness. Different states of consciousness include: Coma. A person in a coma is unconscious, unaware of anything and unable to respond to any stimulus. This results from widespread damage to all parts of the brain. After a few days to a few weeks, a person may emerge from a coma or enter a vegetative state. Vegetative state. Widespread damage to the brain can result in a vegetative state. Although the person is unaware of surroundings, he or she may open his or her eyes, make sounds, respond to reflexes, or move. It's possible that a vegetative state can become permanent, but often individuals progress to a minimally conscious state. Minimally conscious state. A minimally conscious state is a condition of severely altered consciousness but with some signs of self-awareness or awareness of one's environment. It is sometimes a transitional state from a coma or vegetative condition to greater recovery. Brain death. When there is no measurable activity in the brain and the brainstem, this is called brain death. In a person who has been declared brain dead, removal of breathing devices will result in cessation of breathing and eventual heart failure. Brain death is considered irreversible. Physical complications Seizures. Some people with traumatic brain injury will develop seizures. The seizures may occur only in the early stages, or years after the injury. Recurrent seizures are called post-traumatic epilepsy. Fluid buildup in the brain (hydrocephalus). Cerebrospinal fluid may build up in the spaces in the brain (cerebral ventricles) of some people who have had traumatic brain injuries, causing increased pressure and swelling in the brain. Infections. Skull fractures or penetrating wounds can tear the layers of protective tissues (meninges) that surround the brain. This can enable bacteria to enter the brain and cause infections. An infection of the meninges (meningitis) could spread to the rest of the nervous system if not treated. Blood vessel damage. Several small or large blood vessels in the brain may be damaged in a traumatic brain injury. This damage could lead to a stroke, blood clots or other problems. Headaches. Frequent headaches are very common after a traumatic brain injury. They may begin within a week after the injury and could persist for as long as several months. Vertigo. Many people experience vertigo, a condition characterized by dizziness, after a traumatic brain injury. Sometimes, any or several of these symptoms might linger for a few weeks to a few months after a traumatic brain injury. When a combination of these symptoms lasts for an extended period of time, this is generally referred to as persistent post-concussive symptoms. Traumatic brain injuries at the base of the skull can cause nerve damage to the nerves that emerge directly from the brain (cranial nerves). Cranial nerve damage may result in: Paralysis of facial muscles or losing sensation in the face Loss of or altered sense of smell or taste Loss of vision or double vision Swallowing problems Dizziness Ringing in the ear Hearing loss Intellectual problems Many people who have had a significant brain injury will experience changes in their thinking (cognitive) skills. It may be more difficult to focus and take longer to process your thoughts. Traumatic brain injury can result in problems with many skills, including: Cognitive problems Memory Learning Reasoning Judgment Attention or concentration Executive functioning problems Problem-solving Multitasking Organization Planning Decision-making Beginning or completing tasks Communication problems Language and communications problems are common following traumatic brain injuries. These problems can cause frustration, conflict and misunderstanding for people with a traumatic brain injury, as well as family members, friends and care providers. Communication problems may include: Difficulty understanding speech or writing Difficulty speaking or writing Inability to organize thoughts and ideas Trouble following and participating in conversations Communication problems that affect social skills may include: Trouble with turn taking or topic selection in conversations Problems with changes in tone, pitch or emphasis to express emotions, attitudes or subtle differences in meaning Difficulty understanding nonverbal signals Trouble reading cues from listeners Trouble starting or stopping conversations Inability to use the muscles needed to form words (dysarthria) Behavioral changes People who've experienced brain injury may experience changes in behaviors. These may include: Difficulty with self-control Lack of awareness of abilities Risky behavior Difficulty in social situations Verbal or physical outbursts Emotional changes Emotional changes may include: Depression Anxiety Mood swings Irritability Lack of empathy for others Anger Insomnia Sensory problems Problems involving senses may include: Persistent ringing in the ears Difficulty recognizing objects Impaired hand-eye coordination Blind spots or double vision A bitter taste, a bad smell or difficulty smelling Skin tingling, pain or itching Trouble with balance or dizziness Degenerative brain diseases The relationship between degenerative brain diseases and brain injuries is still unclear. But some research suggests that repeated or severe traumatic brain injuries might increase the risk of degenerative brain diseases. But this risk can't be predicted for an individual — and researchers are still investigating if, why and how traumatic brain injuries might be related to degenerative brain diseases. A degenerative brain disorder can cause gradual loss of brain functions, including: Alzheimer's disease, which primarily causes the progressive loss of memory and other thinking skills Parkinson's disease, a progressive condition that causes movement problems, such as tremors, rigidity and slow movements Dementia pugilistica — most often associated with repetitive blows to the head in career boxing — which causes symptoms of dementia and movement problems Prevention Follow these tips to reduce the risk of brain injury: Seat belts and airbags. Always wear a seat belt in a motor vehicle. A small child should always sit in the back seat of a car secured in a child safety seat or booster seat that is appropriate for his or her size and weight. Alcohol and drug use. Don't drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications that can impair the ability to drive. Helmets. Wear a helmet while riding a bicycle, skateboard, motorcycle, snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle. Also wear appropriate head protection when playing baseball or contact sports, skiing, skating, snowboarding or riding a horse. Pay attention to your surroundings. Don't drive, walk or cross the street while using your phone, tablet or any smart device. These distractions can lead to accidents or falls. Preventing falls The following tips can help older adults avoid falls around the house: Install handrails in bathrooms Put a nonslip mat in the bathtub or shower Remove area rugs Install handrails on both sides of staircases Improve lighting in the home, especially around stairs Keep stairs and floors clear of clutter Get regular vision checkups Get regular exercise Preventing head injuries in children The following tips can help children avoid head injuries: Install safety gates at the top of a stairway Keep stairs clear of clutter Install window guards to prevent falls Put a nonslip mat in the bathtub or shower Use playgrounds that have shock-absorbing materials on the ground Make sure area rugs are secure Don't let children play on fire escapes or balconies
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[Diseases & Conditions](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions) # Traumatic brain injury [Request an appointment](https://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments) * - [Symptoms & causes](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557) - [Diagnosis & treatment](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20378561) - [Doctors & departments](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/doctors-departments/ddc-20378562) ## On this page - [Overview](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557#overview) - [Symptoms](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557#symptoms) - [When to see a doctor](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557#when-to-see-a-doctor) - [Causes](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557#causes) - [Risk factors](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557#risk-factors) - [Complications](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557#complications) - [Prevention](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557#prevention) * ## Overview Traumatic brain injury usually results from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. An object that goes through brain tissue, such as a bullet or shattered piece of skull, also can cause traumatic brain injury. Mild traumatic brain injury may affect your brain cells temporarily. More-serious traumatic brain injury can result in bruising, torn tissues, bleeding and other physical damage to the brain. These injuries can result in long-term complications or death. ### Products & Services - [A Book: Guide to the Comatose Patient](https://order.store.mayoclinic.com/flex/mmv/comap02/?utm_source=MC-DotOrg-PS&utm_medium=Link&utm_campaign=Coma-Book&utm_content=COMA) * ## Symptoms Traumatic brain injury can have wide-ranging physical and psychological effects. Some signs or symptoms may appear immediately after the traumatic event, while others may appear days or weeks later. ### Mild traumatic brain injury The signs and symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury may include: Physical symptoms - Headache - Nausea or vomiting - Fatigue or drowsiness - Problems with speech - Dizziness or loss of balance Sensory symptoms - Sensory problems, such as blurred vision, ringing in the ears, a bad taste in the mouth or changes in the ability to smell - Sensitivity to light or sound Cognitive, behavioral or mental symptoms - Loss of consciousness for a few seconds to a few minutes - No loss of consciousness, but a state of being dazed, confused or disoriented - Memory or concentration problems - Mood changes or mood swings - Feeling depressed or anxious - Difficulty sleeping - Sleeping more than usual ### Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries can include any of the signs and symptoms of mild injury, as well as these symptoms that may appear within the first hours to days after a head injury: Physical symptoms - Loss of consciousness from several minutes to hours - Persistent headache or headache that worsens - Repeated vomiting or nausea - Convulsions or seizures - Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes - Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears - Inability to awaken from sleep - Weakness or numbness in fingers and toes - Loss of coordination Cognitive or mental symptoms - Profound confusion - Agitation, combativeness or other unusual behavior - Slurred speech - Coma and other disorders of consciousness ### Children's symptoms Infants and young children with brain injuries might not be able to communicate headaches, sensory problems, confusion and similar symptoms. In a child with traumatic brain injury, you may observe: - Change in eating or nursing habits - Unusual or easy irritability - Persistent crying and inability to be consoled - Change in ability to pay attention - Change in sleep habits - Seizures - Sad or depressed mood - Drowsiness - Loss of interest in favorite toys or activities * ## When to see a doctor Always see your doctor if you or your child has received a blow to the head or body that concerns you or causes behavioral changes. Seek emergency medical care if there are any signs or symptoms of traumatic brain injury following a recent blow or other traumatic injury to the head. The terms "mild," "moderate" and "severe" are used to describe the effect of the injury on brain function. A mild injury to the brain is still a serious injury that requires prompt attention and an accurate diagnosis. [Request an appointment](https://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments) ## From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. [Click here for an email preview.](https://links.e.response.mayoclinic.org/EmailPreview-GeneralHealth) Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. We use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our [Notice of Privacy Practices](https://mcforms.mayo.edu/mc5200-mc5299/mc5256-01.pdf). You may opt out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the email. * ## Causes Traumatic brain injury is usually caused by a blow or other traumatic injury to the head or body. The degree of damage can depend on several factors, including the nature of the injury and the force of impact. Common events causing traumatic brain injury include the following: - Falls. Falls from bed or a ladder, down stairs, in the bath, and other falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury overall, particularly in older adults and young children. - Vehicle-related collisions. Collisions involving cars, motorcycles or bicycles — and pedestrians involved in such accidents — are a common cause of traumatic brain injury. - Violence. Gunshot wounds, domestic violence, child abuse and other assaults are common causes. Shaken baby syndrome is a traumatic brain injury in infants caused by violent shaking. - Sports injuries. Traumatic brain injuries may be caused by injuries from a number of sports, including soccer, boxing, football, baseball, lacrosse, skateboarding, hockey, and other high-impact or extreme sports. These are particularly common in youth. - Explosive blasts and other combat injuries. Explosive blasts are a common cause of traumatic brain injury in active-duty military personnel. Although how the damage occurs isn't yet well understood, many researchers believe that the pressure wave passing through the brain significantly disrupts brain function. Traumatic brain injury also results from penetrating wounds, severe blows to the head with shrapnel or debris, and falls or bodily collisions with objects following a blast. * ## Risk factors The people most at risk of traumatic brain injury include: - Children, especially newborns to 4-year-olds - Young adults, especially those between ages 15 and 24 - Adults age 60 and older - Males in any age group * ## Complications Several complications can occur immediately or soon after a traumatic brain injury. Severe injuries increase the risk of a greater number of and more-severe complications. ### Altered consciousness Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury can result in prolonged or permanent changes in a person's state of consciousness, awareness or responsiveness. Different states of consciousness include: - Coma. A person in a coma is unconscious, unaware of anything and unable to respond to any stimulus. This results from widespread damage to all parts of the brain. After a few days to a few weeks, a person may emerge from a coma or enter a vegetative state. - Vegetative state. Widespread damage to the brain can result in a vegetative state. Although the person is unaware of surroundings, he or she may open his or her eyes, make sounds, respond to reflexes, or move. It's possible that a vegetative state can become permanent, but often individuals progress to a minimally conscious state. - Minimally conscious state. A minimally conscious state is a condition of severely altered consciousness but with some signs of self-awareness or awareness of one's environment. It is sometimes a transitional state from a coma or vegetative condition to greater recovery. - Brain death. When there is no measurable activity in the brain and the brainstem, this is called brain death. In a person who has been declared brain dead, removal of breathing devices will result in cessation of breathing and eventual heart failure. Brain death is considered irreversible. ### Physical complications - Seizures. Some people with traumatic brain injury will develop seizures. The seizures may occur only in the early stages, or years after the injury. Recurrent seizures are called post-traumatic epilepsy. - Fluid buildup in the brain (hydrocephalus). Cerebrospinal fluid may build up in the spaces in the brain (cerebral ventricles) of some people who have had traumatic brain injuries, causing increased pressure and swelling in the brain. - Infections. Skull fractures or penetrating wounds can tear the layers of protective tissues (meninges) that surround the brain. This can enable bacteria to enter the brain and cause infections. An infection of the meninges (meningitis) could spread to the rest of the nervous system if not treated. - Blood vessel damage. Several small or large blood vessels in the brain may be damaged in a traumatic brain injury. This damage could lead to a stroke, blood clots or other problems. - Headaches. Frequent headaches are very common after a traumatic brain injury. They may begin within a week after the injury and could persist for as long as several months. - Vertigo. Many people experience vertigo, a condition characterized by dizziness, after a traumatic brain injury. Sometimes, any or several of these symptoms might linger for a few weeks to a few months after a traumatic brain injury. When a combination of these symptoms lasts for an extended period of time, this is generally referred to as persistent post-concussive symptoms. Traumatic brain injuries at the base of the skull can cause nerve damage to the nerves that emerge directly from the brain (cranial nerves). Cranial nerve damage may result in: - Paralysis of facial muscles or losing sensation in the face - Loss of or altered sense of smell or taste - Loss of vision or double vision - Swallowing problems - Dizziness - Ringing in the ear - Hearing loss ### Intellectual problems Many people who have had a significant brain injury will experience changes in their thinking (cognitive) skills. It may be more difficult to focus and take longer to process your thoughts. Traumatic brain injury can result in problems with many skills, including: Cognitive problems - Memory - Learning - Reasoning - Judgment - Attention or concentration Executive functioning problems - Problem-solving - Multitasking - Organization - Planning - Decision-making - Beginning or completing tasks ### Communication problems Language and communications problems are common following traumatic brain injuries. These problems can cause frustration, conflict and misunderstanding for people with a traumatic brain injury, as well as family members, friends and care providers. Communication problems may include: - Difficulty understanding speech or writing - Difficulty speaking or writing - Inability to organize thoughts and ideas - Trouble following and participating in conversations Communication problems that affect social skills may include: - Trouble with turn taking or topic selection in conversations - Problems with changes in tone, pitch or emphasis to express emotions, attitudes or subtle differences in meaning - Difficulty understanding nonverbal signals - Trouble reading cues from listeners - Trouble starting or stopping conversations - Inability to use the muscles needed to form words (dysarthria) ### Behavioral changes People who've experienced brain injury may experience changes in behaviors. These may include: - Difficulty with self-control - Lack of awareness of abilities - Risky behavior - Difficulty in social situations - Verbal or physical outbursts ### Emotional changes Emotional changes may include: - Depression - Anxiety - Mood swings - Irritability - Lack of empathy for others - Anger - Insomnia ### Sensory problems Problems involving senses may include: - Persistent ringing in the ears - Difficulty recognizing objects - Impaired hand-eye coordination - Blind spots or double vision - A bitter taste, a bad smell or difficulty smelling - Skin tingling, pain or itching - Trouble with balance or dizziness ### Degenerative brain diseases The relationship between degenerative brain diseases and brain injuries is still unclear. But some research suggests that repeated or severe traumatic brain injuries might increase the risk of degenerative brain diseases. But this risk can't be predicted for an individual — and researchers are still investigating if, why and how traumatic brain injuries might be related to degenerative brain diseases. A degenerative brain disorder can cause gradual loss of brain functions, including: - Alzheimer's disease, which primarily causes the progressive loss of memory and other thinking skills - Parkinson's disease, a progressive condition that causes movement problems, such as tremors, rigidity and slow movements - Dementia pugilistica — most often associated with repetitive blows to the head in career boxing — which causes symptoms of dementia and movement problems * ## Prevention Follow these tips to reduce the risk of brain injury: - Seat belts and airbags. Always wear a seat belt in a motor vehicle. A small child should always sit in the back seat of a car secured in a child safety seat or booster seat that is appropriate for his or her size and weight. - Alcohol and drug use. Don't drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications that can impair the ability to drive. - Helmets. Wear a helmet while riding a bicycle, skateboard, motorcycle, snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle. Also wear appropriate head protection when playing baseball or contact sports, skiing, skating, snowboarding or riding a horse. - Pay attention to your surroundings. Don't drive, walk or cross the street while using your phone, tablet or any smart device. These distractions can lead to accidents or falls. ### Preventing falls The following tips can help older adults avoid falls around the house: - Install handrails in bathrooms - Put a nonslip mat in the bathtub or shower - Remove area rugs - Install handrails on both sides of staircases - Improve lighting in the home, especially around stairs - Keep stairs and floors clear of clutter - Get regular vision checkups - Get regular exercise ### Preventing head injuries in children The following tips can help children avoid head injuries: - Install safety gates at the top of a stairway - Keep stairs clear of clutter - Install window guards to prevent falls - Put a nonslip mat in the bathtub or shower - Use playgrounds that have shock-absorbing materials on the ground - Make sure area rugs are secure - Don't let children play on fire escapes or balconies [Request an appointment](https://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments) * [By Mayo Clinic Staff](https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-this-site/meet-our-medical-editors) Feb 04, 2021 [Print](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557?p=1) Show References 1. Traumatic brain injury: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Hope-Through-Research/Traumatic-Brain-Injury-Hope-Through. Accessed Dec. 17, 2020. 2. Traumatic brain injury (TBI). American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/traumatic-brain-injury/. Accessed Dec. 17, 2020. 3. Goldman L, et al., eds. Traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 17, 2020. 4. Traumatic brain injury. Alzheimer's Association. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/related\_conditions/traumatic-brain-injury. Accessed Dec. 17, 2020. 5. Evans RW, et al. Acute mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Dec. 17, 2020. 6. Kasper DL, et al., eds. Concussion and other traumatic brain injuries. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 20th ed. McGraw-Hill Education; 2018. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed Dec. 17, 2020. 7. Hemphill JC. Traumatic brain injury: Epidemiology, classification, and pathophysiology. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 6, 2021. 8. Weinhouse GL. Hypoxic-ischemic brain injury: Evaluation and prognosis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Oct. 16, 2017. 9. McCrory P, et al. Consensus statement on concussion in sport — The 5th international conference on concussion in sport held in Berlin, October 2016. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2017;51:838. 10. Adams JG, et al., eds. Traumatic brain injury (adult). In: Emergency Medicine: Clinical Essentials. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2013. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 6, 2021. 11. Hemphill JC. Management of acute severe traumatic brain injury. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 6, 2021. 12. Traumatic brain injury & concussion prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/prevention.html. Accessed Jan. 6, 2021. 13. Medical review (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. DATE. 14. Schultzman S. Minor blunt head trauma in children (≥2 years): Clinical features and evaluation. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 6, 2021. 15. Traumatic brain injury. Family Caregiver Alliance. https://www.caregiver.org/traumatic-brain-injury. Accessed Jan. 6, 2021. 16. Carney N, et al. Guidelines for the management of severe traumatic brain injury. Neurosurgery. 4th ed. 2017; doi:10.1227/NEU.0000000000001432. 17. Heads up to youth sports: Clipboard concussion information sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/coach.html. Accessed Jan. 6, 2021. 18. What can I do to help feel better after a traumatic brain injury? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/recovery.html. Accessed Jan. 6, 2021. 19. Traumatic brain injury & concussion: Signs and symptoms. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/symptoms.html. Accessed Jan. 6, 2021. 20. Medical review (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. DATE. 21. Pediatric traumatic brain injury. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/clinical-topics/pediatric-traumatic-brain-injury/\#collapse\_2. Accessed Jan. 6, 2021. 22. Mendez MF. What is the relationship of traumatic brain injury to dementia? Journal of Alzheimer's disease. 2017; doi:10.3233/JAD-161002. [Diagnosis & treatment](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20378561) 1. [Diseases & Conditions](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions) 2. 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Readable Markdown	Overview Traumatic brain injury usually results from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. An object that goes through brain tissue, such as a bullet or shattered piece of skull, also can cause traumatic brain injury. Mild traumatic brain injury may affect your brain cells temporarily. More-serious traumatic brain injury can result in bruising, torn tissues, bleeding and other physical damage to the brain. These injuries can result in long-term complications or death. Products & Services Traumatic brain injury can have wide-ranging physical and psychological effects. Some signs or symptoms may appear immediately after the traumatic event, while others may appear days or weeks later. ### Mild traumatic brain injury The signs and symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury may include: Physical symptoms - Headache - Nausea or vomiting - Fatigue or drowsiness - Problems with speech - Dizziness or loss of balance Sensory symptoms - Sensory problems, such as blurred vision, ringing in the ears, a bad taste in the mouth or changes in the ability to smell - Sensitivity to light or sound Cognitive, behavioral or mental symptoms - Loss of consciousness for a few seconds to a few minutes - No loss of consciousness, but a state of being dazed, confused or disoriented - Memory or concentration problems - Mood changes or mood swings - Feeling depressed or anxious - Difficulty sleeping - Sleeping more than usual ### Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries can include any of the signs and symptoms of mild injury, as well as these symptoms that may appear within the first hours to days after a head injury: Physical symptoms - Loss of consciousness from several minutes to hours - Persistent headache or headache that worsens - Repeated vomiting or nausea - Convulsions or seizures - Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes - Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears - Inability to awaken from sleep - Weakness or numbness in fingers and toes - Loss of coordination Cognitive or mental symptoms - Profound confusion - Agitation, combativeness or other unusual behavior - Slurred speech - Coma and other disorders of consciousness ### Children's symptoms Infants and young children with brain injuries might not be able to communicate headaches, sensory problems, confusion and similar symptoms. In a child with traumatic brain injury, you may observe: - Change in eating or nursing habits - Unusual or easy irritability - Persistent crying and inability to be consoled - Change in ability to pay attention - Change in sleep habits - Seizures - Sad or depressed mood - Drowsiness - Loss of interest in favorite toys or activities When to see a doctor Always see your doctor if you or your child has received a blow to the head or body that concerns you or causes behavioral changes. Seek emergency medical care if there are any signs or symptoms of traumatic brain injury following a recent blow or other traumatic injury to the head. The terms "mild," "moderate" and "severe" are used to describe the effect of the injury on brain function. A mild injury to the brain is still a serious injury that requires prompt attention and an accurate diagnosis. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. [Click here for an email preview.](https://links.e.response.mayoclinic.org/EmailPreview-GeneralHealth) We use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our [Notice of Privacy Practices](https://mcforms.mayo.edu/mc5200-mc5299/mc5256-01.pdf). You may opt out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the email. Causes Traumatic brain injury is usually caused by a blow or other traumatic injury to the head or body. The degree of damage can depend on several factors, including the nature of the injury and the force of impact. Common events causing traumatic brain injury include the following: - Falls. Falls from bed or a ladder, down stairs, in the bath, and other falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury overall, particularly in older adults and young children. - Vehicle-related collisions. Collisions involving cars, motorcycles or bicycles — and pedestrians involved in such accidents — are a common cause of traumatic brain injury. - Violence. Gunshot wounds, domestic violence, child abuse and other assaults are common causes. Shaken baby syndrome is a traumatic brain injury in infants caused by violent shaking. - Sports injuries. Traumatic brain injuries may be caused by injuries from a number of sports, including soccer, boxing, football, baseball, lacrosse, skateboarding, hockey, and other high-impact or extreme sports. These are particularly common in youth. - Explosive blasts and other combat injuries. Explosive blasts are a common cause of traumatic brain injury in active-duty military personnel. Although how the damage occurs isn't yet well understood, many researchers believe that the pressure wave passing through the brain significantly disrupts brain function. Traumatic brain injury also results from penetrating wounds, severe blows to the head with shrapnel or debris, and falls or bodily collisions with objects following a blast. Risk factors The people most at risk of traumatic brain injury include: - Children, especially newborns to 4-year-olds - Young adults, especially those between ages 15 and 24 - Adults age 60 and older - Males in any age group Complications Several complications can occur immediately or soon after a traumatic brain injury. Severe injuries increase the risk of a greater number of and more-severe complications. ### Altered consciousness Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury can result in prolonged or permanent changes in a person's state of consciousness, awareness or responsiveness. Different states of consciousness include: - Coma. A person in a coma is unconscious, unaware of anything and unable to respond to any stimulus. This results from widespread damage to all parts of the brain. After a few days to a few weeks, a person may emerge from a coma or enter a vegetative state. - Vegetative state. Widespread damage to the brain can result in a vegetative state. Although the person is unaware of surroundings, he or she may open his or her eyes, make sounds, respond to reflexes, or move. It's possible that a vegetative state can become permanent, but often individuals progress to a minimally conscious state. - Minimally conscious state. A minimally conscious state is a condition of severely altered consciousness but with some signs of self-awareness or awareness of one's environment. It is sometimes a transitional state from a coma or vegetative condition to greater recovery. - Brain death. When there is no measurable activity in the brain and the brainstem, this is called brain death. In a person who has been declared brain dead, removal of breathing devices will result in cessation of breathing and eventual heart failure. Brain death is considered irreversible. ### Physical complications - Seizures. Some people with traumatic brain injury will develop seizures. The seizures may occur only in the early stages, or years after the injury. Recurrent seizures are called post-traumatic epilepsy. - Fluid buildup in the brain (hydrocephalus). Cerebrospinal fluid may build up in the spaces in the brain (cerebral ventricles) of some people who have had traumatic brain injuries, causing increased pressure and swelling in the brain. - Infections. Skull fractures or penetrating wounds can tear the layers of protective tissues (meninges) that surround the brain. This can enable bacteria to enter the brain and cause infections. An infection of the meninges (meningitis) could spread to the rest of the nervous system if not treated. - Blood vessel damage. Several small or large blood vessels in the brain may be damaged in a traumatic brain injury. This damage could lead to a stroke, blood clots or other problems. - Headaches. Frequent headaches are very common after a traumatic brain injury. They may begin within a week after the injury and could persist for as long as several months. - Vertigo. Many people experience vertigo, a condition characterized by dizziness, after a traumatic brain injury. Sometimes, any or several of these symptoms might linger for a few weeks to a few months after a traumatic brain injury. When a combination of these symptoms lasts for an extended period of time, this is generally referred to as persistent post-concussive symptoms. Traumatic brain injuries at the base of the skull can cause nerve damage to the nerves that emerge directly from the brain (cranial nerves). Cranial nerve damage may result in: - Paralysis of facial muscles or losing sensation in the face - Loss of or altered sense of smell or taste - Loss of vision or double vision - Swallowing problems - Dizziness - Ringing in the ear - Hearing loss ### Intellectual problems Many people who have had a significant brain injury will experience changes in their thinking (cognitive) skills. It may be more difficult to focus and take longer to process your thoughts. Traumatic brain injury can result in problems with many skills, including: Cognitive problems - Memory - Learning - Reasoning - Judgment - Attention or concentration Executive functioning problems - Problem-solving - Multitasking - Organization - Planning - Decision-making - Beginning or completing tasks ### Communication problems Language and communications problems are common following traumatic brain injuries. These problems can cause frustration, conflict and misunderstanding for people with a traumatic brain injury, as well as family members, friends and care providers. Communication problems may include: - Difficulty understanding speech or writing - Difficulty speaking or writing - Inability to organize thoughts and ideas - Trouble following and participating in conversations Communication problems that affect social skills may include: - Trouble with turn taking or topic selection in conversations - Problems with changes in tone, pitch or emphasis to express emotions, attitudes or subtle differences in meaning - Difficulty understanding nonverbal signals - Trouble reading cues from listeners - Trouble starting or stopping conversations - Inability to use the muscles needed to form words (dysarthria) ### Behavioral changes People who've experienced brain injury may experience changes in behaviors. These may include: - Difficulty with self-control - Lack of awareness of abilities - Risky behavior - Difficulty in social situations - Verbal or physical outbursts ### Emotional changes Emotional changes may include: - Depression - Anxiety - Mood swings - Irritability - Lack of empathy for others - Anger - Insomnia ### Sensory problems Problems involving senses may include: - Persistent ringing in the ears - Difficulty recognizing objects - Impaired hand-eye coordination - Blind spots or double vision - A bitter taste, a bad smell or difficulty smelling - Skin tingling, pain or itching - Trouble with balance or dizziness ### Degenerative brain diseases The relationship between degenerative brain diseases and brain injuries is still unclear. But some research suggests that repeated or severe traumatic brain injuries might increase the risk of degenerative brain diseases. But this risk can't be predicted for an individual — and researchers are still investigating if, why and how traumatic brain injuries might be related to degenerative brain diseases. A degenerative brain disorder can cause gradual loss of brain functions, including: - Alzheimer's disease, which primarily causes the progressive loss of memory and other thinking skills - Parkinson's disease, a progressive condition that causes movement problems, such as tremors, rigidity and slow movements - Dementia pugilistica — most often associated with repetitive blows to the head in career boxing — which causes symptoms of dementia and movement problems Prevention Follow these tips to reduce the risk of brain injury: - Seat belts and airbags. Always wear a seat belt in a motor vehicle. A small child should always sit in the back seat of a car secured in a child safety seat or booster seat that is appropriate for his or her size and weight. - Alcohol and drug use. Don't drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications that can impair the ability to drive. - Helmets. Wear a helmet while riding a bicycle, skateboard, motorcycle, snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle. Also wear appropriate head protection when playing baseball or contact sports, skiing, skating, snowboarding or riding a horse. - Pay attention to your surroundings. Don't drive, walk or cross the street while using your phone, tablet or any smart device. These distractions can lead to accidents or falls. ### Preventing falls The following tips can help older adults avoid falls around the house: - Install handrails in bathrooms - Put a nonslip mat in the bathtub or shower - Remove area rugs - Install handrails on both sides of staircases - Improve lighting in the home, especially around stairs - Keep stairs and floors clear of clutter - Get regular vision checkups - Get regular exercise ### Preventing head injuries in children The following tips can help children avoid head injuries: - Install safety gates at the top of a stairway - Keep stairs clear of clutter - Install window guards to prevent falls - Put a nonslip mat in the bathtub or shower - Use playgrounds that have shock-absorbing materials on the ground - Make sure area rugs are secure - Don't let children play on fire escapes or balconies
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