Head Injuries: Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

What Is a Head Injury?

A head injury refers to any trauma or damage to the scalp, inside the skull, or the brain, according to the Mayo Clinic. This can range from mild concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries and can result from various causes such as falls, accidents, or physical assaults.

What Are the Different Types of Head Injury?

Head injuries encompass a range of trauma to the scalp, skull, or brain, each with its own set of characteristics and potential complications. Understanding the different types of head injuries is crucial for recognizing their symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment. The following are common types of head injuries:

Hematoma

This refers to the collection of blood outside of blood vessels, often forming a clot within the tissue, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Subdural hematoma is a type of hematoma that occurs inside the skull, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Hemorrhage

A hemorrhage involves uncontrolled bleeding, either within the brain or in the surrounding tissues, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Concussion

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (also called TBI) resulting from a jolt or blow to the head, causing temporary disruption of normal brain function, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Edema

Edema is the accumulation of fluid in the brain, leading to increased pressure within the skull, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Skull Fracture

This involves a break in one or more of the bones in the skull, which can vary in severity, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Diffuse Axonal Injury

This type of injury involves widespread damage to the brain's nerve fibers, often resulting from rapid acceleration or deceleration, such as in car accidents or shaken baby syndrome, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

What Causes a Head Injury?

Head injuries can occur under various circumstances and are often the result of sudden impact or trauma, according to the Mayo Clinic. The causes of head injuries are diverse, and understanding them is important for both prevention and effective response when they occur. Below are the main causes of head injuries, according to Healthline:

• Falls: Tripping and falling can lead to head injuries, and this is particularly common among children and the elderly.

• Vehicle-related collisions: Car, motorcycle, or bicycle accidents often result in head trauma, either from the impact itself or from being ejected and hitting the head.

• Violence: Assaults, domestic violence, gunshot wounds, and other forms of interpersonal violence can cause head injuries.

• Sports injuries: Contact sports like football, boxing, or hockey, as well as high-impact activities such as gymnastics or skateboarding, can lead to head injuries.

What Are the Symptoms of a Head Injury?

Symptoms of a head injury can range from mild to severe and can affect both physical and cognitive functions, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Recognizing these symptoms is essential for determining the severity of the injury and the urgency of medical care. Here are the symptoms associated with mild and moderate to severe head injuries, according to the Cleveland Clinic:

Symptoms of Mild head injury:

• Raised, swollen area from a bump or a bruise

• Small, superficial (shallow) cut in the scalp

• Headache

• Sensitivity to noise and light

• Irritability

• Confusion

• Lightheadedness or dizziness

• Problems with balance

• Nausea

• Problems with memory or concentration

• Change in sleep patterns

• Blurred vision

• "Tired" eyes

• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

• Alteration in taste

• Fatigue or lethargy

Symptoms of a moderate to severe head injury:

These symptoms require immediate medical attention:

• Loss of consciousness

• Severe headache that does not go away

• Repeated nausea and vomiting

• Loss of short-term memory, such as difficulty remembering the events that led right up to and through the traumatic event

• Slurred speech

• Difficulty with walking

• Weakness in one side or area of the body

• Sweating

• Pale skin color

• Seizures or convulsions

• Behavior changes including irritability

• Blood or clear fluid draining from the ears or nose

• One pupil (dark area in the center of the eye) is dilated, or looks larger, than the other eye and doesn't constrict, or get smaller when exposed to light

• Deep cut or laceration on the scalp

• Open wound in the head

• Foreign objects penetrating the head

• Coma

• Vegetative state

• Locked-in syndrome

It is important to note that any head injury can potentially be serious and warrants medical attention. Symptoms might not appear immediately and can develop over time, so monitoring for any changes in condition is crucial following a head injury.

How Are Head Injuries Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a head injury is a critical step in ensuring that patients receive the appropriate treatment and care, according to the Cleveland Clinic. They note that medical professionals use a variety of diagnostic tests to assess the extent of the injury and to determine the best course of action. These tests can help identify fractures, bleeding, swelling, and other damage to the brain and surrounding structures.

Below is an overview of common diagnostic tests used for head injuries, according to the Cleveland Clinic.:

• Blood tests: While they cannot diagnose a head injury, blood tests can help to assess the overall health of the patient and rule out other conditions that may be causing symptoms.

• X-ray: X-rays of the skull can detect fractures of the skull bones but are not used to view injuries to the brain itself.

• Computed tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan is often the first imaging test used in the evaluation of a head injury. It provides detailed images of the skull and brain and can quickly reveal fractures, bleeding, bruising, and swelling.

• Electroencephalogram (EEG): An EEG measures the electrical activity of the brain. It's not a standard test for head injuries but can be used if seizures are suspected.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI provides detailed images of the brain and is particularly useful for identifying more subtle injuries, including damage to the brain's soft tissues, blood vessels, and nerves.

Each diagnostic tool has its own strengths, and in some cases, multiple tests may be used in combination to provide a comprehensive assessment of the injury, according to the Cleveland Clinic. They note that the choice of diagnostic tests will depend on the initial assessment of the patient's symptoms and the severity of the injury.

How to Treat a Head Injury?

Treatment for a head injury is tailored to the severity and type of injury sustained, and it is crucial that it begins with a thorough medical evaluation, according to the Mayo Clinic. A doctor's diagnosis will dictate the appropriate course of action, which may range from simple at-home care for minor injuries to more intensive medical interventions for serious trauma.

The following list includes various treatments that may be recommended for a head injury, according to the Mayo Clinic:

• Ice: Applying ice to the injured area can help reduce swelling and pain for a mild head injury.

• Rest: Adequate rest is vital for the brain to heal, especially after a concussion.

• Topical antibiotic ointment and adhesive bandage: For minor cuts or abrasions, cleaning the area and applying an antibiotic ointment and bandage can prevent infection.

• Observation: Monitoring for any changes in symptoms or behavior is critical, as some head injury complications may develop after the initial trauma.

• Immediate medical attention: Severe head injuries require prompt medical evaluation and treatment in an emergency setting.

• Stitches: Lacerations may require stitches to close the wound and promote proper healing.

• Hospitalization for observation: Some patients with head injuries may need to be hospitalized for close monitoring, especially if there's a risk of complications.

• Moderate sedation or assistance with breathing: In cases of severe head injury, patients may require sedation or mechanical ventilation to support breathing and reduce intracranial pressure.

• Surgery: Surgical intervention may be necessary to repair skull fractures, relieve pressure from bleeding or swelling in the brain, or remove blood clots.

The specific treatment plan will depend on factors such as the patient's age, overall health, and the nature of the injury. It is essential to follow the healthcare provider's instructions closely and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure the best possible recovery.