Symptoms of TBI: Open vs. Closed Brain Injuries

Understanding the symptoms associated with both open and closed traumatic brain injuries is crucial for early detection and effective treatment.

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Two medical professionals examining multiple brain MRI scans for signs of traumatic brain injury.

If you or a loved one has suffered an open or closed traumatic brain injury (TBI), you should be aware of the distinct symptoms of each condition — and understand the medical attention the medical team uses to safely and effectively manage them.

Open Traumatic Brain Injuries

Open or penetrating brain injuries occur when an object pierces through the skull and enters the brain tissue.

Symptoms of open TBIs may include:

Loss of consciousness
Visible head wounds
Skull fractures at the site of penetration
Profuse bleeding from the head
Severe headaches
Unequal pupil size (anisocoria)
Clear fluid drainage from the nose or ears (cerebrospinal fluid leakage)
Impaired speech or difficulty understanding language
Weakness or numbness in extremities
Confusion
Memory loss
Difficulty concentrating
Seizures

Closed Traumatic Brain Injuries

Closed brain injuries occur when there is no visible penetration of the skull, but brain tissue is damaged due to a sudden impact or violent shaking. In a closed TBI, the person’s brain is injured by rapid movements within the skull, during which the brain tissues strike the interior, bony structures of the skull. As a result, brain tissue and blood vessels may be bruised and torn.

Symptoms of closed TBIs may include:

Loss of consciousness
Headaches that do not improve or worsen
Dizziness or imbalance
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light or noise
Blurred vision or changes in vision
Fatigue or drowsiness
Mood swings or sudden changes in behavior
Difficulty with coordination or balance
Sleep disturbances
Impaired memory or concentration

Keep in mind that some symptoms of both open and closed TBIs may not be apparent immediately and can worsen over time.

Learn more by reading What Is Traumatic Brain Injury?

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