Traumatic Brain Injury: Symptoms

The following lists describe typical symptoms of an injury to the brain.

Physical Symptoms

  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Lack energy, constantly tired
  • Dizziness or balance problems
  • Blurred/double vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Sensitivity to noise
  • Ringing in ears
  • Sleeping more or less than usual
  • Loss of consciousness

Cognitive Symptoms

  • Confused, losing track of time/place
  • Difficulty concentrating and paying attention
  • Trouble with memory and learning
  • Problems with putting thoughts into words
  • Slowed thinking, acting, reading, speaking
  • Easily distracted
  • Trouble doing more than one thing at a time
  • Lack of organization

Social and Emotional Symptoms

  • Mood changes, irritability, sadness
  • Decreased motivation
  • Easily overwhelmed
  • More impulsive
  • Withdrawn
  • More emotional
  • Nervous or anxious
  • Wanting to avoid social situations

For more information, see the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Signs and Symptoms of Concussion.