Head Injuries: Types, Symptoms, First Aid, and When to Go to the Emergency Room
Introduction
Head injuries are common injuries that can affect people of all ages, especially children. Fortunately, most head injuries are mild and temporary, and recovery usually occurs without complications. However, some head injuries can cause serious damage to the brain, the blood vessels surrounding it, or lead to long-term complications if not treated properly and promptly.
What Is a Head Injury?
A head injury refers to any damage affecting the brain, skull, or scalp as a result of trauma or impact. Head injuries vary in severity and may be classified as:
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Mild
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Moderate
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Severe (acute)
Types of Head Injuries
1. Concussion
A concussion is a strong blow to the head that temporarily affects brain function. Symptoms may include:
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Dizziness
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Loss of balance
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Brief confusion
In many cases, the injured person does not lose consciousness and may not notice immediate symptoms.
2. Brain Contusion
A brain contusion is a bruise of the brain tissue caused by a minor internal bleed, leading to swelling that may result in headaches or neurological symptoms.
3. Skull Fracture
A skull fracture occurs due to a severe head injury that breaks the skull bones. In some cases, broken bone fragments may damage brain tissue.
4. Hematoma
A hematoma is internal bleeding within the brain that causes blood to collect and form a clot. Symptoms may not appear immediately and can develop hours, days, or even weeks after the injury.
Causes of Head Injuries
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Falls (the most common cause)
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Sports-related injuries
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Physical assaults
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Motor vehicle accidents
People at Higher Risk
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Children
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Older adults
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Individuals who use drugs or alcohol
Symptoms of Head Injuries
Symptoms may appear immediately or gradually and include:
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Headache
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Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
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Nausea and vomiting
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Dizziness and difficulty concentrating
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Neck pain
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Vision problems
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Swelling of the scalp
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Loss of consciousness (usually brief)
When to Call Emergency Services or Go to the ER
Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
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Loss of consciousness
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Worsening headache
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Unusual behavior such as confusion, agitation, or aggression
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Difficulty understanding, speaking, or walking
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Sensory problems such as hearing loss or vision impairment
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Repeated vomiting
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Inability to remember events before or after the injury
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Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
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Seizures
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Blood or clear fluid leaking from the ears or nose
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Memory loss
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Breathing difficulties
Treatment and First Aid for Head Injuries
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury:
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Mild injuries often require observation only, but symptoms should be monitored.
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Severe injuries require immediate emergency medical assistance.
First Aid Measures:
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Stop any bleeding using sterile gauze or a clean cloth.
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Do not touch or press on open wounds; gently cover them if needed.
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If the injured person is sitting and vomiting, help them lean forward.
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If lying down, place them on their side to prevent choking.
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If conscious, ask them not to move their head or neck.
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If unconscious but breathing normally, stabilize the head, neck, and spine.
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If unconscious and not breathing, begin CPR immediately.
Symptoms After Discharge from the Hospital
Some symptoms may persist for several days, including:
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Mild to moderate headache
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Sleep disturbances
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Loss of appetite
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General fatigue
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Difficulty concentrating
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Bruising or mild swelling of the scalp
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Memory loss related to events before, during, or after the injury (may or may not return)
When to Return to the Emergency Department
Return to the ER if any of the following symptoms develop:
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Persistent nausea or vomiting
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Increasing headache severity
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Difficulty waking up
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Dizziness or fainting
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Difficulty walking
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Slurred speech or trouble speaking
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Seizures
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Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
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Neck stiffness
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Blurred or double vision
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Blood or clear fluid leaking from the nose or ears
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Behavioral changes or irritability, especially in children
Home Care Instructions After a Head Injury
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Get plenty of rest and stay at home for the first 48 hours.
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Keep a phone nearby in case of emergency.
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Have someone stay with you during the first two days.
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Avoid school or work until fully recovered.
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Do not drive immediately after the injury.
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Avoid taking medications, especially painkillers, unless prescribed by a doctor.
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Avoid screens and activities that require intense concentration.
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Apply cold compresses to swollen areas as directed by a healthcare provider.
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Avoid eating or drinking during the first 6 hours unless advised otherwise by a doctor.
After Full Recovery
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Protect your head from future injuries.
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Wear protective helmets during sports or activities such as cycling or football.
Summary
Head injuries range from mild to severe and may cause serious complications. Learn about types of head injuries, symptoms, first aid, and when to seek emergency care.
Keywords
Head injuries, concussion, brain contusion, skull fracture, hematoma, head injury symptoms, head injury first aid, when to go to the ER, head injuries in children.
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