Brain Injury Symptoms

Adults and children may present similar symptoms of brain injury. However, since the developmental process varies from child to child, their symptoms may go unnoticed, unless severe. If a child is not taken to a physician for checkups on a regular basis, problems may not even be identified until learning difficulties arise during school years. Partly, this is because it may take longer for symptoms to show up in a brain that's still developing, still growing.

Even though a brain injury may be mild, and adults seem to recover within a few hours or days, it does not mean the injury has healed. Healing from any injury takes far longer than most people--including doctors--like to admit, whether it's accidental or from needed surgery. In the case of the mild brain injury, the individual may suffer from headaches, attention and memory lapses, emotional problems and fatigue, for quite some time. However, they will likely be accused of malingering, if they continue to claim they are disabled.

If a person has not sought medical attention following a fall or other head impact, symptoms of injury to continue watching for include: sleepiness, irritability or aggression, inability to tolerate bright light, balance problems, hearing differences, and so forth. Sudden loss of consciousness may indicate a serious problem has developed.

No Complete Cure for Brain Injury

An axiom in our western society is that time heals all wounds. Of course, those who have suffered might disagree. At this time in the history of medicine, there's not yet a complete cure for brain injury. Rehabilitation is available to persons with health insurance or access to other services, but too many cannot qualify at any level. In any event, some symptoms may thankfully be alleviated as the brain heals, but others don't go away. It can take a very positive attitude to keep forging ahead.