Levels of Brain Injury
Brain Injury can range from mild to severe.
- Also known as a concussion
- Brief (less than 15 minutes) or NO loss of consciousness
- A dazed, vacant stare right after the injury
- Testing and scans may appear normal
- Symptoms may not appear until later – “post concussive syndrome” can include temporary headaches, dizzines, mild mental slowing, and fatigue
- Symptoms of mild brain injury usually improve over 1-3 months
- Results in a loss of consciousness that can last minutes or a few hours and is followed by a few days or weeks of confusion
- Physical, cognitive, and/or behavioral impairments may last for months or be permanent
- Almost always results in prolonged unconsciousness or coma
- May last days, weeks, or months
Effects of Brain Injuries
Because the brain controls all functions of our lives, an injury can leave an individual with a number of persistent impairments.
Sometimes referred to as executive functioning, this can include difficulties with attention, memory, communication, reasoning, and problem-solving.
Difficulties may include a weakness or lack of coordination in arms or legs, impaired vision, fatigue, or sleep problems.
Survivors may be more vulnerable to depression and have difficulty controlling anger or anxiety.
This may be seen as a person being impulsive or having difficulty with initiation and sustaining behavior.