Physical Consequences of TBI

Smiling little Asian-American girl using colorful walkerPhysical consequences of TBI depend greatly on what regions of the brain were affected by the injury. In addition, many individuals will experience injury to other body regions (e.g., limbs, spine) in the traumatic event that caused their TBI, which may also result in physical limitations. Individuals may participate in rehabilitation therapies to directly improve their physical functioning and/or identify adaptive technologies to decrease functional limitations.

Examples of TBI-related physical consequences include:

  • Weakness on one or both sides of the body
  • Increased clumsiness
  • Persisting headaches
  • Dizziness, balance problems
  • Fatigue, drowsiness
  • Sleep disturbances (e.g., trouble falling asleep, sleeping more or less than usual)
  • Light and/or noise sensitivity
  • Numbness and/or tingling
  • Vision disturbances (e.g., double vision)
  • Loss of smell and/or taste
  • Problems managing bodily functions (e.g., blood pressure, temperature regulation)
  • Chronic pain
  • Seizures