TBI Symptoms, Effects & Veteran Support
Effects of TBI
Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one?
To connect with a Veterans Crisis Line responder anytime day or night:
- Dial 988 then Press 1.
- Start a confidential chat.
- Text 838255.
- If you have hearing loss, call TTY: Dial 711 then 988.
Overview
Traumatic brain injury (or TBI) is an injury to the head that affects the way the brain works. TBI can range from mild to severe.
TBI is caused by a sudden bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a sharp object that pierces the brain. Not all head injuries cause TBI.
Between 2000 and 2019, the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center reported that more than 400,000 U.S. service members had TBI. And more than 185,000 Veterans who use VA for their health care have had at least one TBI.
Symptoms of TBI
TBI can change your brain in many ways. TBI can change the way you think, feel, act, and move. The symptoms depend on which part of your brain gets injured.
TBI can cause damage, such as bleeding or swelling in the brain. Health care providers try to control this damage to help limit long-term problems.
Mild TBI can cause any or all of these symptoms:
- Headache
- Feeling tired (fatigue)
- Feeling sick to your stomach (nausea)
- Trouble sleeping
Mild TBI can cause problems with your balance, hearing, or vision like these:
- Blurry vision or being bothered by bright light
- Dizziness
- Ringing in your ears
After a mild TBI, you may also have problems with thinking and memory, like these:
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Mood or personality changes
- Brief loss of consciousness
Moderate or severe TBI can cause the same symptoms as mild TBI, plus any or all of these symptoms. If you have any of these symptoms after a TBI, call 911 or have someone take you to the nearest emergency room:
- A severe headache that doesn't go away
- Feeling very irritable, restless, confused, sleepy, or clumsy
- Extended loss of consciousness (minutes, hours, or in some cases even longer)
- Seizures
- Repeated vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Weakness and numbness in your arms and legs
Screening for TBI at VA
Veterans who use VA health care must undergo mandatory TBI screening if they served in combat operations. The four-question screen identifies Veterans who were exposed to events that increase the risk for TBI and have symptoms that may be related to that specific event or events. VA providers discuss the results of the comprehensive evaluations with the Veteran and recommend follow-on care with primary care and other specialty providers, as necessary.
In Veterans’ own words
Veterans who have experienced TBI talk about their experiences. Listen as they describe the signs and symptoms of TBI and its effects on their families. By reaching out for help, they were able to overcome these obstacles and live better lives.
View more videos on Make the Connection.
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