1. Determine the Seriousness of the Wound
There are basically two types of head wounds--open and closed. Closed wounds are not necessarily any less dangerous than open wounds, though they may be harder to detect and treat. Closed wounds are often caused by a strong impact directly on the skull or the upper part of the neck. They may result in swelling or light bleeding, but often have no obvious symptoms at all, except for a persistent, dull pain at the point of impact. Open wounds, also known as penetrating wounds, can range from deep cuts to breaks in the skull and are easy to identify because the area is either bleeding copiously or obviously open and exposed.
2. Watch for Symptoms
In closed wounds, it may be hard to identify whether serious injury actually occurred or whether it will result only in a passing headache. If the person is awake and doesn't complain of serious pain, chances are the wound is not serious enough to require medical attention. It is important to remember, however, that many symptoms don't show up until hours later. As such, the patient should be under observation (either medical or by a loved one) for at least 24 hours. Nausea, vomiting, erratic behavior and other obvious changes in personality or general well-being could indicate the presence of a serious head wound and should be assessed by a doctor as soon as possible. Changes in the size of the pupils or problems seeing or hearing properly can indicate a brain injury and should also be treated at once.
3. Don't Rely on Your Own Eyes Only
If you suspect a serious wound or injury, look for medical attention immediately. If nothing else, a doctor will recommend a good painkiller and let you know whether you should be doing something else to treat the area, such as applying ice compresses or staying in bed for a day. Open wounds are often easy to identify without the need for further examination, but closed wounds that are causing serious symptoms may warrant a set of X-rays or a CT scan to determine the extent of the damage.
