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.

Key Takeaways

• Open and closed traumatic brain injuries have different symptoms, but both can be serious and require medical attention, especially if symptoms worsen or new issues develop over time.
• Open TBIs often involve visible trauma, such as skull fractures, bleeding, seizures, unequal pupils, or fluid leaking from the nose or ears, while closed TBIs are more likely to cause headaches, dizziness, memory issues, balance problems, and mood or behavior changes.
• Some TBI symptoms are delayed and may not appear immediately after an accident, making early monitoring and prompt medical evaluation important for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Open Traumatic Brain Injuries

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