Head Injury

Head injuries range from minor trauma and concussion to unconsciousness and death. Traumatic injury to the brain can cause blood clots on the surface of the brain or within the brain. The brain can be permanently damaged by this trauma. Coma occurs when the central portion of the brain is unable to activate or stimulate the brain to wakefulness or when there is very extensive injury to the brain. Head injuries can also produce fractures of the skull. Depressed skull fractures can cause a piece of bone to penetrate or deform the brain. Basilar skull fractures involve the base of the skull. They can injure the nerves that pass through these regions and produce cerebrospinal fluid leaks.

Symptoms

Headache, bruising behind ear, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, neurologic abnormalities, unconsciousness.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. A CT scan and/or MRI is done to rule out fractures, bruising of the brain, and bleeding of the brain.

Treatment

Therapy is determined by the severity of the injury and may include: observation, diuretics (mannitol) to decrease swelling, anti-seizure medications, anti-nausea medications, mechanical ventilation, and/or neurosurgery.