Brain Injury Symptoms

Brain injury results in three main types of impairments.

• Cognitive (thinking and comprehending) Impairments
• Behavior Disorders
• Physical Problems

Cognitive Impairments

Less apparent than physical problems, cognitive impairments or disturbances in thought processes may be more difficult to understand and more serious.  Examples include: poor attention span; inability to comprehend or processes information; problems or deficits in short-term and long term memory; slowness in thinking; difficulties in reading, writing, and speaking; and problems with planning, organizing, and judgment.

Behavior Problems

Changes in behavior and personality may be the most difficult problem for family members and friends to face.  As they emerge from coma quiet, well-mannered persons may become agitated and aggressive. Later, mood swings may be sharp and can occur without warning.  Depression, confusion, irritability, and restlessness are other common problems.  These complex consequences result from the actual brain damage as well as the emotional response to their frustration and confusion.  Physical and cognitive problems often intensify the frustration associated with behavioral disorders.

Physical Problems

Physical problems may be simpler to understand because they are easier to see or identify.  They include painful headaches, sudden seizures, and decreases in muscular strength and coordination.  Because of damage to specific areas of the brain and lack of activity, patient’s muscles often contract and joints become stiff.  For example, they may hold their feet in a rigid position with the toes pointed downward (foot drop).  To keep their ankles bent and their feet in the position normally used in walking, the need splints and exercise.  Many show weakness or are unable to move one side of their body.  Difficulties with vision, speech, hearing, smell, and taste are among other physical problems.