Head injuries are a very common cause of long-term disability or even death. They occur when the head suffers an unexpected blow or when the tissue in and around the brain is pierced by a foreign object. A head injury is an umbrella term for a wide variety of injuries, including a bump on the forehead, internal bleeding, cuts, fractures, and concussions.
The different types of head injuries include:
The symptoms of head injuries can vary greatly between mild head injuries and moderate to severe head injuries.
Symptoms of a mild head injury include:
Symptoms of a moderate to severe head injury include:
Head injuries are caused by bruising and internal damage to the brain due to sudden blows, penetration by a sharp object, and excessive shaking of the brain as occurs in a car accident or in some abuse survivors, particularly in children.
Risk factors for head injuries include:
Diagnosis of head injuries involves your doctor taking a medical history, understanding how the injury occurred, and doing a physical examination to understand the extent of your symptoms. Imaging scans will help your doctor come to a definitive diagnosis.
Your doctor may order a computerised tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. They may also do an electroencephalogram (EEG), a test that records the electrical activity in the brain. Additionally, they may elect to have bloodwork done. These diagnostic tools will give you a clear picture of the head injury and how long it may take to recover.
Complications of head injuries include lasting neurological damage and, in some cases, death. When a head injury is not treated right away or taken seriously, severe cases can be fatal.
Treatment of head injuries varies based on the severity of the injury and the age, health, and wishes of the patient.
Treatment can include extended bed rest, ice, observation, stitches for an open injury, surgery, and treatment of any symptoms that arise as a result of the head injury.
Preventative measures for head injuries include creating a safe environment for yourself and any children. That includes wearing seatbelts in the car, wearing helmets and protective gear when doing activities that make you prone to injury, and avoiding contact sports, if possible.