Which sign indicates a potential traumatic brain injury?

A decreased level of consciousness (LOC) is a significant indicator of a potential traumatic brain injury (TBI). When a patient experiences a reduction in awareness or responsiveness, it can suggest that there is an underlying issue affecting brain function, such as swelling, bleeding, or other forms of injury. Monitoring LOC is crucial in TBI cases because it can change rapidly and necessitates immediate medical evaluation and intervention.

In the context of TBI, maintaining awareness of a patient's cognitive state is critical for assessing the severity of the injury and making treatment decisions. A decrease in LOC can also hint at increased intracranial pressure or other complications, which requires urgent attention. The other options listed do not accurately suggest potential brain injury, as they either represent normal physiological responses (like stable vital signs or increased appetite) or improvements in neurological function (such as improved motor responses).