A head injury can occur as a result of blunt force from falling, getting struck or similar incidents. Symptoms of a head injury include headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, bleeding or a loss of consciousness. These symptoms vary depending on the severity of the injury. A more serious head injury may cause some or all of these symptoms right away, or they may appear later.
Cognitive Function
The Mayo Clinic notes that a head injury that results in a concussion can cause cognitive impairment. This includes memory loss of varying degrees and trouble concentrating. KidsHealth.org notes that individuals with a moderate head injury may struggle to carry out normal tasks that require coordination, such as catching a ball or even walking.
Increased Sensory Awareness
Light and noise may be more startling to an individual several hours or days following a moderate to severe head injury. An individual may find light and sound to be more intense than normal, or more bothersome.
Mood Changes
FamilyDoctor.org points out that some individuals may experience some changes in mood after a moderate to severe head injury. This can include anxiety, irritability, depression and being upset without reason.
Energy Level
An individual may become more tired than usual following a head injury. This is not the same as losing consciousness directly after the head injury. When the damage is significant, this sleepiness can persist for several hours or even days after the injury. On the other hand, some individuals may struggle to sleep due to the head injury. This can be due to pain as well as changes in brain functioning from the injury, especially from a concussion that has resulted in bruising of the brain. The Mayo Clinic states that an individual may be difficult to wake following the injury. This is an indication of a moderate to severe brain injury.
Persistent Pain
A headache or pain at the site of the injury can persist for several hours. The area may swell and be tender to the touch. If these symptoms persist for many days, it can be a sign of a more serious head injury. The National Institutes of Health suggests that it is possible to have symptoms of a head injury that resolve for a brief period of time and then worsen. Neck pain can also indicate that the head injury is more severe, especially if it appears suddenly a few days after the injury.
Fluid Drainage
There may be fluid drainage from the nose, mouth or ears after a head injury. The National Institutes of Health points out that this fluid can be clear or bloody.
Vomiting
Vomiting and nausea can occur shortly after the injury. These symptoms can improve and reappear, or they may not appear for several hours or a day following the injury.
