Blunt Head Trauma & Effects

Blunt head trauma has a wide range in severity: patients may suffer from just a bump on the head or more severe effects such as serious damage to the skull. Regardless of what type of blunt head trauma the patient suffers from, she can also have injury to her brain and spinal cord. Any damage to the brain can result in a disruption in normal brain function.

Classification

Blunt head trauma can be classified into two categories: closed head trauma and open head trauma. A closed head trauma, or concussion, results from a hard blow to the head; however, the trauma does not result in an opening in the skull. An open head trauma, on the other hand, does break the skull. Also known as a penetrating head trauma or contusion, an open head trauma can result in the object that caused the injury entering the skull and directly damaging the brain. According to braininjury.com, even if there is no direct injury to the brain, the trauma can disrupt normal brain function.

Symptoms

The symptoms from blunt head trauma can be physical injuries that are easily identifiable by looking at the patient, while others may be symptoms of brain damage. Physical symptoms of blunt head trauma include distorted features on the patient's face, fracture in the skull, bruising of the face, unequal size of the patient's pupils, scalp wound, swelling and fluid draining from the nose, mouth or ears. According to braininjury.com, the draining fluid may be clear or bloody. Other symptoms that are an indication of brain damage include convulsions, inability to move a limb, irritability, personality changes, unusual behavior, loss of consciousness, confusion, drowsiness, low breathing rate, drop in blood pressure, restlessness, severe headache, lack of coordination, change in consciousness, stiff neck, vomiting, slurred speech, blurred vision, and impaired hearing, smell, taste and vision. In children, the irritability symptom is more prevalent than in adult patients.

Effects

Blunt head trauma can result in severe problems for the patients. According to braininjury.com, patients who suffer from blunt head trauma can suffer from a coma, chronic headaches, language problems, loss or change in sensation, speech problems, seizures, paralysis, and changes in sensation, hearing, vision, taste and smell. To minimize the effects of blunt head trauma, patients should seek medical attention immediately. Warning signs of severe blunt head trauma include unconsciousness, severe bleeding or cessation of breathing.