A head injury is a very common cause of disability and death in this country. Fortunately, most people who suffer such an injury do recover and can simply be treated and released from the hospital. Not all head injuries lead to traumatic brain injury. A laceration to the scalp, for instance, is often nothing to worry about. However, every injury to the head should be taken seriously regardless.

Causes:

In order for a head injury to occur, trauma has to be present, although this can be non-violent trauma. A slight fall can cause huge damage, for instance. Around 17% of all traumatic brain injuries are caused by motorcycle falls, and 35% from other types of falls. Men are more likely to suffer from these injuries than women. It is also possible for the injury to be penetrating, which happens after projectile trauma, such as a bullet, and it affects the brain. Alternatively, someone may have a closed injury, meaning there are no lacerations. This is often the case with concussions. Lastly, the brain can become injured due to trauma to the neck, causing the brain to slosh and shake inside the skull.

Signs & Symptoms:

Some people with a head injury do not have any symptoms, while others can go into a coma or even die. Furthermore, it is common for the signs and symptoms to be delayed, because of the time it takes for the brain to swell up or start to bleed. Common signs and symptoms to be aware of include:

A change in mental state

Confusion

Lethargy

Loss of consciousness

Photophobia

Vomiting

Cerebrospinal fluids leaking from ear to nose

Difficulties speaking

Bleeding from the ear

Difficulties swallowing

Paralysis

Numbness

Irritability

Dizziness

Concentration problems

Amnesia

Abnormal breathing

Low pulse

High blood pressure

Dilated pupils

Coma

Treatments:

How traumatic brain injuries are treated will depend on the cause and how the injury manifests. If the injury is minor, such as with a concussion, just symptom control and observation will usually be needed. Some pain medication may be provided for headaches, and other medications can be prescribed if the patient feels nauseous or vomits.

If bleeding is present, however, it is classed as a neurosurgical emergency, although some may not require an operation. A craniotomy is one option, whereby some of the skull bone is removed and blood clots are drained or removed, taking the pressure away. Supportive care may also be offered, whereby pressure in the brain is monitored but not action is taken until it rises above acceptable levels. Sometimes, a hole has to be drilled through the skull to monitor pressure, which is referred to as "placing a bolt".

For those who are in a coma, supportive care is usually offered. Patients are generally intubated so their breathing can be controlled and so that they do not aspire vomit into their lungs. In some cases, patients are sedated, placed in a medically-induced coma, while medication is provided to reduce the swelling in the brain. Prognosis, in these cases, will vary widely, with disability being common.