Fact Checked
Overview
- Head trauma is an injury that affects the brain / skull
- Injuries range from minor to serious
- Head injury may be ‘closed’ or ‘penetrating’
Head trauma is an injury that affects the brain / skull. Injuries range from minor to serious - ‘Closed’-when head hits against a blunt object
- These injuries lead to concussion
- ‘Penetrating’ – an object penetrates skull and enters brain
Causes
- Road traffic accidents
- Accidents at home / work
- Assault
- Fall
- Sports
Symptoms
- Loss of consciousness – for short or long duration
- Bleeding
- Vomiting
- Fluid discharge from nose
- Loss of hearing, vision, taste, smell
- Speech-related problems
- Irregular heart beat
- Seizures
- Paralysis
- Coma
- Change in personality
- Mental health-related problems
Consult a Doctor
When the following occur seek medical help-
- Bleeding
- Fluid discharge from nose, mouth, ears
- Vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion / Restlessness / Irritability
- Slurred speech / Convulsion
- Blurred Vision
- Low breathing
- Low blood pressure / Severe headache
- Fracture / Stiff neck
- Loss of sensory abilities
- Inability to move one or more limbs
Steps to Avoid
- Avoid shaking or moving a person who has head injuries
- Avoid washing the wound or removing debris
- Do not remove helmet in case of head injury
- Do not consume alcohol immediately after a head injury
- Do not pick up a fallen child with a head injury
Prevention
- Do not indulge in drunken driving
- Practice safe methods while driving / sporting / other activities
- Always follow safety rules
- Supervise the activities of children