Documenting TBI symptoms thoroughly and consistently is essential for successful legal claims. Because many brain injury symptoms are subjective and may not appear on imaging, creating a comprehensive record of symptoms and their impact provides crucial evidence.

Common TBI Symptoms to Document

Physical Symptoms

  • Headaches (frequency, severity, duration, triggers)
  • Dizziness and balance problems
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Sleep disturbances (insomnia, excessive sleep)
  • Light and noise sensitivity
  • Vision changes
  • Ringing in ears (tinnitus)

Cognitive Symptoms

  • Memory problems (forgetting appointments, conversations, tasks)
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Slowed thinking
  • Word-finding difficulties
  • Confusion
  • Difficulty multitasking

Emotional/Behavioral Symptoms

  • Irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Personality changes
  • Social withdrawal

Documentation Methods

Symptom Journal

Keep a daily log of symptoms including:

  • Date and time
  • Specific symptoms experienced
  • Severity (1-10 scale)
  • Duration
  • Triggers or activities that worsen symptoms
  • Impact on daily activities

Medical Records

Report all symptoms to healthcare providers at every visit. What's documented in medical records carries more weight than patient self-reports at trial.

Work Records

Document:

  • Missed work days
  • Reduced productivity
  • Performance issues
  • Inability to perform previous job duties

Third-Party Observations

Ask family members, friends, and coworkers to document changes they observe. Their testimony about before-and-after differences is powerful evidence.

Photographic and Video Evidence

When appropriate, document:

  • Visible injuries and their healing
  • Difficulty performing tasks
  • Use of assistive devices

What Documentation Accomplishes

  • Establishes symptom timeline – Shows symptoms began after the accident
  • Demonstrates persistence – Counters claims that symptoms resolved
  • Shows impact – Connects symptoms to functional limitations
  • Supports credibility – Consistent documentation is more believable

Conclusion

Thorough symptom documentation creates the evidentiary foundation for TBI claims. Start documenting immediately after injury and continue consistently throughout treatment and recovery.