Which of the following symptoms suggests a neurological change during trauma?

Numbness is a symptom that suggests neurological change during trauma due to its direct indication of nerve involvement or compromise. When an individual experiences numbness, it may signify that there has been damage to the nerves or the spinal cord, which can occur during traumatic events. This symptom often arises from pressure on a nerve, a fracture, or a direct injury that affects the nervous system functionality. Recognizing numbness as a warning sign is critical, as it may require urgent assessment and intervention to address potential underlying neurological issues.

Other symptoms like swelling, bruising, and joint stiffness can result from trauma but are primarily indicative of soft tissue injury or localized responses rather than direct nerve involvement. Swelling and bruising signal inflammatory responses or hemorrhaging in the tissues, while joint stiffness often points to injury or inflammation of the joint itself. Thus, while these symptoms are significant in assessing trauma, they do not directly implicate neurological changes as numbness does.