Key Takeaways
- Head injuries can be caused by falls, accidents, sports, violence, or even mild bumps and bruises up to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
- Relevant treatment for a head injury depends on the injury severity.
- Accident is a common cause that can result in brain hemorrhages, concussions, and fractures.
- Severe head injuries can result from physical assaults, such as gunshot wounds and domestic abuse.
Many cases of head injury are caused by hits or bumps. According to research latest on Brain health an estimated 5.3 million Americans have disability because of head injury. The brain cells can damage your functioning ability depending the area your are most effects. Severe brain injuries includes bleeding, bruises,and other physical damage. This can also cause long-term problems. The discussion below is helpful to understand the causes and symptoms.
What is a Head Injury?
A head injury can be explained as damage on the skull, brain or scalp. THe wound can be minor or serious depending on the impact the object has been hit. A bump or a bruise can be considered as a minor effect. Whereas a concussion or a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can be categorized as severe damage. It is important to know the causes and the symptoms.
Causes of Head Injury
There are different occurrences that can result in damage. Some causes are listed below.
Falls
The most common cause of head injury is a fall. You might have a child running around and cause these small injuries. Head injury can also result from slipping on damp surfaces, falling from heights, dis-balance, or stumbling over things. The risk of falls increases when an older person is walking because of weak bones and balance problems.
Accidents
Another common reason is accidents caused by cars, motorbikes, or bicycles. Head colliding with a dashboard or a concrete surface results in severe injuries. Severe injuries like fractures, concussions, or hemorrhages of the brain. There are precautions everyone should follow to avoid damage.
Recreational and Sports Activities
Head injuries are commonly also witnessed while playing games like football, boxing, hockey, or cycling. The injuries are frequent and most likely to range from minor to mild. Concussion is experienced by people playing sports and recreational activities.
Acts of violence
Despite it being illegal, there have been many incidents of head injury because of physical violence. Some cases filed were gunshots, domestic abuse, and physical attacks. Physical attacks like punches, kicks, and object strikes induce force, which results in severe head injuries.
Symptoms
A head injury can result in psychological and physical consequences. Some symptoms you could have are explained below.
Mild traumatic brain damage
The following are possible indicators and symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury:
Physical Symptoms
- Headache
- vomiting or feeling queasy
- Tiredness or somnolence
- Speech issues
- lightheadedness or unsteadiness
Sensory Symptoms
- sensory issues, such as changes in smell, ringing in the ears, unpleasant taste in the tongue, or blurred eyesight
- Intolerance for light or sound
- symptoms that are mental, behavioral, or cognitive
- unconsciousness lasting anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes
- Not unconsciousness but a dazed, confused, or disoriented state
- Issues with focus or memory
Emotional Symptoms
- Mood fluctuations or shifts
- Having anxiety or depression
- Having trouble falling asleep
- sleeping more than usual
Moderate to Severe Brain Damage
Any of the indicators and symptoms of a mild injury, as well as the following symptoms that could manifest in the initial hours or days following a head accident, can indicate moderate to severe traumatic brain damage:
Physical Signs and Symptoms
- unconsciousness lasting several minutes to several hours
- headache that never goes away or gets worse
- nausea or vomiting episodes that repeat
- seizures or convulsions
- dilatation of one or both of the eye’s pupils
- transparent liquids coming out of the ears or nose
- unable to wake up from slumber
- Numbness or weakness in the toes and fingers
- Decrease in coordination
Mental or cognitive symptoms
- Deep bewilderment
- Combativeness, agitation, or other odd behavior
- slurred words
- Coma and additional consciousness abnormalities
Symptoms in Children
Young children and infants suffering from brain injuries may not be able to express symptoms such as headaches, disorientation, or sensory issues. When a child suffers from traumatic brain injury, you could notice:
- Modifications to feeding or nursing practices
- atypical or prone to agitation
- Crying all the time and not being able to get comfort
- Modification in attentional capacity
- Alteration in sleeping patterns
- Convulsions
- Feeling down or depressed
- Feeling sleepy
- Loss of enthusiasm for favored games or pastimes
Conclusion
Head injuries have a dangerous impact and can cause medical illnesses. In case of severe symptoms and causes mentioned above, you need to consult a healthcare professional. The causes and symptoms will help you prevent injuries and find ways to handle them. At Brain Warrior Inc., we’re committed to providing the tools and assistance required to manage the difficulties associated with brain injuries and encourage a secure, robust recovery.\
FAQs for Causes and Symptoms of Head Injury
What are the main causes of head injuries?
Physical contact with an object can cause head injuries. Some of them are falls, accidents, sports, and recreational activities, or acts of violence.
What are the three signs and symptoms of a head injury?
The three symptoms and signs are headache, nausea, and vision changes.
What is the most common injury to the head?
The most common one is because of falls.