Some of the common symptoms of brain injuries include headaches, memory loss, seizures, nausea, and vision changes. Symptoms can vary depending on what type of brain injury it is, as well as the location and severity of the injury. Experiencing a symptom alone is not necessarily a sign of a brain injury, because many symptoms of the injury could be the result of another health problem. However, if symptoms do occur, they should be investigated by a qualified medical professional. Depending on the cause, the symptoms of brain injury can affect both the mind and the body.
Alzheimer's disease primarily affects the mind, and is caused by brain lesions that interfere with cognitive function and memory. As the lesions progress, nerve cells in the brain begin to disappear, resulting in memory loss and reduced cognitive function. A brain abscess is a type of injury that is often caused by an infection in an ear, teeth, lungs, or heart. In this case, symptoms of brain injury may include headaches, seizures, mental confusion, slurred speech, and sleepiness.
Arteriovenous malformations are when the veins and arteries become intertwined with each other during the development of the fetus or shortly after the baby is born. The severity of brain injury symptoms can vary from person to person, but headaches, seizures, vision problems, numbness, and paralysis are often experienced. Cerebral palsy is another brain injury-related disease that affects young children, and symptoms are usually seen during the first year. Depending on the cause, symptoms of cerebral palsy can include seizures, breathing problems, weakness, and trouble speaking.
Another type of brain injury is cerebral infarction, which is usually caused by a stroke. Symptoms of brain injury caused by this condition may include losing awareness of the body on the opposite side of the brain injury location. Weakness, changes in eye movements, as well as changes in speech and reflexes may also occur.
In some cases, brain injuries can interfere with communication between brain cells and the rest of the body. This is commonly known as multiple sclerosis, which can cause symptoms such as muscle spasms and muscle weakness, loss of balance, impaired speech, cognitive decline, and vision problems. Other symptoms may include pain, fatigue, depression, and mood swings.
Brain tumors are another type of brain injury and can affect the brain, blood vessels, skull, and pituitary gland. The tumors can be cancerous or noncancerous and can cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea, coma, memory loss, and reduced cognitive function. Symptoms of brain injury can also include impaired senses such as hearing, vision, and smell.