HEAD INJURY

TYPES

• Hematoma
• Hemorrhage
• Edema
• Skull fracture
• Diffuse axonal injury

SYMPTOMS

Common symptoms of a minor injury include:

• a headache
• lightheadedness
• a spinning sensation
• mild confusion
• nausea
• temporary ringing in the ears

The symptoms of a severe head injury includes:

• loss of consciousness
• seizures
• vomiting
• balance problems
• serious disorientation
• an inability to focus the eyes
• abnormal eye movements
• loss of muscle control
• worsening headache
• memory loss
• changes in mood
• leaking of clear fluid from the ear or the nose

DIAGNOSIS

One of the first ways your doctor will assess your head injury is with the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). 

Your doctor will examine you to look for signs of trauma, including bruising and swelling. You’re also likely to get a neurological examination. 

Imaging tests are commonly used to diagnose head injuries. A CT scan or MRI scan is being used.

TREATMENT

The treatment for head injuries depends on both the type and the severity of the injury. If you’ve had a severe brain injury, you may be given anti-seizure medication. You may be given diuretics if your injury has caused pressure buildup in your brain. If your injury is very serious, you may be given medication to put you in an induced coma. 

Surgery. Your doctor may need to operate to:

• remove a hematoma
• repair your skull
• release some of the pressure in your skull

Rehabilitation. If you’ve had a serious brain injury, you’ll most likely need rehabilitation to regain full brain function. The type of rehabilitation you get will depend on what functionality you’ve lost as a result of your injury.