TBI Education
Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms
A complete guide to TBI symptoms — physical, cognitive, and emotional — plus the warning signs that mean you need emergency care now.
Call 911 if you see these signs.
Loss of consciousness, one pupil larger than the other, repeated vomiting, seizures, slurred speech, sudden weakness or numbness on one side, or a severe headache that keeps getting worse — these are TBI emergencies. Do not wait.
Physical symptoms
- Headache that worsens or doesn't go away
- Nausea or repeated vomiting
- Dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination problems
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Blurred vision, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to light or sound
- Numbness or weakness in fingers and toes
Cognitive symptoms
- Confusion or disorientation
- Memory or concentration problems
- Difficulty processing information
- Slurred speech
- Sleeping more or less than usual
Emotional & behavioral symptoms
- Mood swings, irritability, or unusual anger
- Anxiety, depression, or feeling overwhelmed
- Personality changes noticed by family
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
TBI symptom questions families ask
When are TBI symptoms a medical emergency?
Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately for: loss of consciousness, one pupil larger than the other, repeated vomiting, seizures, slurred speech, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, severe headache that worsens, or unusual confusion. Children should be evaluated for inconsolable crying, refusal to nurse or eat, and any loss of consciousness.
How soon after a head injury do TBI symptoms appear?
Some symptoms appear immediately. Others develop hours, days, or even weeks later. This is why doctors recommend monitoring anyone with a head injury closely for at least 24–48 hours and following up if new symptoms appear.
Can TBI symptoms come back months after the injury?
Yes. Post-concussion syndrome and late-emerging symptoms — especially fatigue, mood changes, and cognitive slowdown — are common. Keep a symptom log and share it with the survivor's medical team.
Are TBI symptoms different in children?
Children may not be able to describe what they're feeling. Watch for changes in eating, sleeping, mood, school performance, and play behavior. Any loss of balance, persistent crying, or unusual irritability after a head injury needs medical evaluation.
Sources: CDC, Mayo Clinic, Brain Injury Association of America.
New to TBI? Start with What is TBI?