Head injury: Symptoms, concussion, and treatment

H

ead injuries range from a bump on the head to a skull fracture. Some head injuries are severe enough to cause brain damage or even death.

Knowing the symptoms of a concussion and some simple first aid can help people respond to a head injury quickly, reducing the chances of complications.

Types

A head injury may present different symptoms.

There are a range of head injury types, and the injury can be more or less severe within each category.

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when the brain is damaged, usually because of an accident. A person may have a TBI if an object hits their head, or if an object penetrates the brain through the skull.

Some examples include a ball hitting the head at high speed, falling from a great height onto the head, or having a gunshot wound.

Violent shaking of the head can also cause a TBI, as the brain can bounce or twist in the skull. These cases are often related to whiplash.

A TBI damages the brain, usually causing a blood clot or bruising. A blood clot in the brain is known as an intracranial hematoma (ICH).

An ICH can be more or less severe depending on its size and location in the brain.

A concussion is a form of TBI that temporarily stops the brain from functioning normally. Symptoms of a concussion are not always serious or long-lasting but may cause complications.

The skull is made of very hard, thick bone designed to protect the brain from injuries. However, it is possible to break or fracture the skull with a hard impact.

If the skull breaks and the bone or another object punctures the brain, a doctor will refer to the injury as an open head injury or penetrating head injury.

Symptoms

A head injury may present different symptoms depending on its severity.

Symptoms of a mild head injury include:

·         some bleeding

·         bruising

·         a mild headache

·         feeling sick or nauseated

·         mild dizziness

Symptoms of a moderate head injury include:

·         passing out for a short time

·         confusion or distraction

·         vomiting

·         a lasting headache

·         temporary changes in behavior

·         memory problems

·         loss of balance

Symptoms of a severe head injury include:

·         significant bleeding

·         passing out and not waking up

·         having a seizure

·         problems with vision, taste, or smell

·         difficulty staying alert or awake

·         clear fluid or blood coming out of the ears or nose

·         bruises behind the ears

·         weakness or numbness

·         difficulty speaking

Key symptoms of a concussion include:

·         confusion

·         a headache

·         dislike of noise or light

·         nausea

·         balance problems

·         blurred vision

·         feeling groggy

·         difficulty concentrating

Head injuries vs. minor bumps

A bump to the head is a common injury that does not usually cause serious problems. However, there is no clear point at which a doctor will class damage as a head injury.

It is usually possible to treat head injuries with mild or no symptoms at home. However, it is vital to know about the signs of a concussion and see a doctor if these develop.

When to see a doctor

Moderate and severe head injuries require immediate treatment. If the symptoms of a mild head injury last for more than 2 weeks, a person should also seek medical advice.

The symptoms of a concussion do not always appear immediately. Sometimes, a person may develop initial symptoms days or weeks after the injury.

People should always take head injuries seriously. If someone is concerned about their symptoms, even after a mild injury, they should speak to a doctor.

Source: MedicalNewsToday