Falls, vehicular and occupational accidents, and sports and recreational trauma commonly cause accidental head injuries in children and adults. The severity of head injuries varies according to the level of trauma sustained by the brain, skull and scalp. Minor head injuries typically heal quickly without residual impairment or disfigurement. High-force and penetrating head injuries may be life-threatening and carry a substantial risk for permanent brain impairment.
Scalp Laceration
Scalp lacerations occur as isolated injuries or in combination with more severe head trauma. Simple scalp lacerations are common wounds that can be closed with staples, stitches or tissue adhesive after thoroughly cleaning the area, the National Center for Emergency Medicine Informatics reports. Isolated scalp lacerations generally heal well and have a low risk for infection.
Concussion
A concussion is a common, mild form of brain injury. Jarring of the brain causes temporary, mild disturbances in brain function. Possible symptoms of a concussion include irritability, emotional instability, nervousness, headache, an aversion to bright light, poor concentration, lapses remembering new information, minor balance problems, dizziness and disturbed sleep patterns. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that concussion recovery time ranges from days to weeks, depending on the severity of the injury.
Cerebral Contusion
A cerebral contusion is bruise on the surface of the brain caused by an impact with the inner skull. The amount of force involved is typically higher with a cerebral contusion compared to a concussion. Mild to severe brain swelling characteristically accompanies a cerebral contusion, the University of Missouri Health Care reports. Possible symptoms include vomiting, severe headache, dizziness, confusion, forgetfulness, irritability, restlessness, agitation, drowsiness, unequal pupil size and isolated weakness in one of the limbs. Severe swelling may necessitate surgical intervention to relieve pressure on the brain.
Intracranial Hemorrhage
Accidental head injuries may tear one or more blood vessels supplying the brain and surrounding tissues, causing an intracranial hemorrhage. Types of intracranial hemorrhages include epidural hematoma, subdural hematoma and subarachnoid hemorrhage. The signs and symptoms associated with an intracranial hemorrhage vary, depending on the type, location and severity of the bleed. Surgery may be required to relieve pressure on the brain and repair the injured blood vessel, the UCLA Health System Neurosurgery Division advises.
Skull Fracture
High-force head injuries may fracture the skull, often with an accompanying brain injury. Simple skull fractures in which the bone cracks but remains in place typically heal on their own, the UCLA Health System Neurosurgery Division reports. Depressed skull fractures involve intrusion of a broken piece of skull into the interior cranial space occupied by the brain. Depending on the degree of depression, surgery may be necessary to repair this injury. Compound skull fractures are life-threatening injuries in which the brain is exposed to the outside environment. The risk for permanent brain damage or death remains high with this type of head injury.
References
- National Center for Emergency Medicine Informatics: Common Simple Emergencies, Simple Laceration
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: What are the Signs and Symptoms of Concussion?
- University of Missouri Health Care: Cerebral Contusion
- UCLA Health System, Neurosurgery: Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
- UCLA Health System, Neurosurgery: Acute Subdural Hematoma
