Head Injury

A head injury refers to any damage or trauma caused on the scalp, skull, or brain. It’s one of the most common causes of disability and death among adults. A head injury can range from a mild bump bruise or cut on the head to more serious conditions such as a concussion, deep cut or open wound, fractured skull bones, or internal bleeding and brain damage. There are many ways a person can have a head injury, but some of the most common causes include falls, car accidents, sports injuries, and physical assaults.

There are many types of head injuries depending on their severity and type, affecting different parts of the head and brain. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types:

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head or a sudden, violent movement of the head. A concussion often leads to temporary loss of brain function, making a person lose awareness and alertness for a few minutes up to a few hours.

• Headaches
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Difficulty Concentrating
• Loss Of Consciousness

A patient is usually asked to take rest and avoid any kind of activities that could cause another concussion. In most cases, concussions resolve with time, but medical evaluation is important.

A skull fracture may occur when the head injury leads to breaks or cracks in one or more of the bones that make up the skull. Skull fractures vary in severity and type, affecting the brain’s protection and potentially leading to additional complications.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of skull fractures and their symptoms:

This is the most common type of skull fracture that may require observation and it usually heals on its own. Liner fracture is a break in the bone that does not move the bone.

• Headaches
• Bruising

This is a less common and more serious type of skull fracture where part of the skull is sunken in due to the trauma. A patient usually requires surgical intervention to correct.

• Visible Indentation
• Headache
• Possible Brain Damage

This is more common among infants and young children whose sutures are not yet fully fused. Diastatic Fracture occurs along the suture lines in the skull.

• Widening Of The Sutures
• Potential Developmental Issues

This is undoubtedly the most serious type of skull fracture that occurs at the base of the skull. Basilar Fracture can go to an extent where It can cause tears in the membranes surrounding the brain and lead to complications like cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage.

• Bruising Around The Eyes (Raccoon Eyes)
• Behind The Ears (Battle’s Sign)
• Csf Leakage From The Nose Or Ears

An intracranial hematoma is not something a person should take lightly. It’s a serious condition where blood collects within the skull, putting pressure on the brain. It’s typically caused by head injury and can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated promptly. The severity of an Intracranial Hematoma can be determined by its location and the amount of bleeding.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of Intracranial Hematomas:

An Epidural Hematoma is often caused by a skull fracture that tears an artery, making blood accumulate between the skull and the dura mater

• Severe Headache
• Confusion
• Loss Of Consciousness
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• A Brief Period Of Alertness Followed By Rapid Decline

A subdural hematoma can be classified as acute, subacute, or chronic depending on its development and progression. It occurs when veins between the dura mater (the outermost brain covering) and the arachnoid mater (the middle layer) are torn, typically due to head trauma. This results in blood collecting in this space. If not treated properly, a subdural hematoma can worsen over time.

• Headache
• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Seizures
• Motor Or Sensory Deficits

This is a type of Hematoma when the bleeding occurs within the brain tissue itself, often as a result of a traumatic brain injury, stroke, or ruptured blood vessel.

• Headaches
• Weakness
• Numbness
• Difficulty Speaking Or Understanding Speech
• Loss Of Consciousness

To diagnose a head injury, a medical professional must need to determine the full extent of the problem. The full diagnosis process involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests.

Let’s take a look at the step-by-step approach to diagnosing a head injury:

Your medical professional will gather details about the injury and symptoms. Detailed information about the injury, including how it happened, the impact’s severity, and any loss of consciousness is crucial for the diagnosis of a head injury. They will also ask you about symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, or memory issues.

Physical Examination includes the checking of neurological functions, visible signs, and mental status.

• CT Scan: It quickly assesses fractures and bleeding.
• MRI: It provides detailed images of soft tissues.
• Additional Tests: Blood tests for bleeding disorders and neuropsychological testing for cognitive issues.

They will Monitor you for worsening symptoms or complications in a hospital setting.

If your condition requires advanced treatment, they will recommend you to see a neurologist or neurosurgeon.

Seek Medical Attention: Immediate evaluation to assess severity.
Rest: Physical and cognitive rest to aid recovery.
Monitor Symptoms: Watch for changes or worsening conditions.

A head injury is treated based on the severity. Your doctor will determine your treatment based on your age, overall health, and medical history, extent of the head injury, and type of head injury.

Here is how a head injury is typically treated:

Physical and cognitive rest to aid recovery.

Watch for changes or worsening conditions.

For severe cases monitor vital signs and neurological status.

• Pain Relief: Use acetaminophen; avoid NSAIDs.
• Diuretics: To reduce brain swelling, if prescribed.

For severe cases like large hematomas or skull fractures.

• Physical Therapy: To restore function.
• Occupational and Speech Therapy: For cognitive or communication issues.