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What is a Traumatic Head Injury?

Madeleine A.
Madeleine A.

A traumatic head injury refers to trauma or injury to any part of the skull, scalp, or brain. Typically, a traumatic head injury can range from mild to catastrophic brain injuries. The traumatic head injury generally can either be open or closed. An open head injury is also called a penetrating injury. Usually, an open head injury occurs when an individual is hit in the head with something that shatters the skull and causes entry into the brain. An example of this would be going through a windshield or sustaining a gunshot wound.

Generally, a closed traumatic head injury refers to getting a sharp blow or strike to the head from hitting an object. This differs from an open head injury because it does not break or shatter the skull. Both open and closed head injuries can cause a concussion. A concussion refers to the shaking of the brain, usually due to injury. Another less serious traumatic brain injury is called a contusion. This refers to a bruise on the brain.

An MRI scan of the head may be used to help determine the severity of a traumatic head injury.
An MRI scan of the head may be used to help determine the severity of a traumatic head injury.

Fortunately, out of the millions of head injuries that occur annually, most are not life threatening. The skull offers substantial protection to the brain, and although the head injury may cause severe pain, the brain usually remains protected and undamaged. Common causes of traumatic head injury include falls, motor vehicle accidents and sports injuries. Although many head injuries are not severe, certain cases of traumatic head injury may cause paralysis, seizure or coma.

An open head injury can occur when someone goes through a windshield in a car accident.
An open head injury can occur when someone goes through a windshield in a car accident.

Typical treatments for traumatic head injury begin with monitoring the patient closely. The head injury patient should be watched for excessive drowsiness, abnormal behavior, and increase in headache or neck pain. In addition, the patient should be monitored for vomiting and loss of consciousness. If the patient exhibits these symptoms, he needs emergency medical intervention. If vomiting occurs before emergency help arrives, the patient should be turned on his side to prevent aspiration of vomitus material into the lungs.

Fortunately, most head injuries are not life-threatening.
Fortunately, most head injuries are not life-threatening.

Occasionally a traumatic head injury may produce a skull fracture. If the patient sustains a skull fracture, direct pressure should never be applied to the site. In addition, removal of any material or debris from the wounded area should never be done. By manipulating the wound, the foreign objects may further penetrate the brain. In the case of a skull fracture, medical help should be sought. In less serious head injuries without symptoms, the patient may obtain relief with an over-the-counter pain reliever.

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    • An MRI scan of the head may be used to help determine the severity of a traumatic head injury.
      By: Marcin Sadlowski
      An MRI scan of the head may be used to help determine the severity of a traumatic head injury.
    • An open head injury can occur when someone goes through a windshield in a car accident.
      By: Mikael Damkier
      An open head injury can occur when someone goes through a windshield in a car accident.
    • Fortunately, most head injuries are not life-threatening.
      By: seraphic06
      Fortunately, most head injuries are not life-threatening.
    • An open head injury damages the skull and enters the brain.
      By: corepics
      An open head injury damages the skull and enters the brain.
    • Severe traumatic head injuries can lead to lifelong disabilities.
      By: william87
      Severe traumatic head injuries can lead to lifelong disabilities.
    • A traumatic head injury may be the result of an auto accident.
      By: mrivserg
      A traumatic head injury may be the result of an auto accident.
    • Contact sports are gaining increased awareness for their potential to cause head injuries.
      By: Nicholas Piccillo
      Contact sports are gaining increased awareness for their potential to cause head injuries.
    • Both open and close head injuries can cause concussions.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Both open and close head injuries can cause concussions.
    • Certain cases of traumatic head injury may cause paralysis, or coma.
      By: Claudio's Pics
      Certain cases of traumatic head injury may cause paralysis, or coma.