Head trauma is a serious injury and getting timely medical attention is critical. Even if the injury to the head does not result in an open wound in the skull, the brain can still be damaged. In some cases, patients will say they are fine; however, never take chances with a head or brain injury. Head trauma patients can experience a wide range of symptoms. Changes in the senses and consciousness are common, as well as difficulties with movement. A caregiver may notice physical signs of a head trauma first, such as a wound or swelling.
Sensations and Emotions
Impact to the brain from head trauma can cause impairments, such as changes to the patient's senses, according to the National Institutes of Health. For example, a patient's hearing, smell, taste or vision can be affected, depending on where the brain injury is located. In pediatric head trauma patients, irritability is frequent. Personality changes and unusual behavior also can occur after a head injury. Sometimes, patients will lose consciousness, be confused or suffer from drowsiness. Severe headaches are also a sign of a head trauma.
Physical Signs
Physical signs of head trauma, according to the NIH, are the easiest to identify by observation alone. A patient's face can have distorted features, or swelling at the sight of the injury. The actual wound also may be visible. Clear or bloody fluid may be draining from the patient's nose, mouth or ears. If the head trauma is an open wound, an observer may notice a fracture in the skull or on the face. Other physical signs of head trauma include unequal sizes of the patient's pupils, convulsions and vomiting. The patient may complain of a stiff neck, or have slurred speech or blurred vision
Movement Problems
Another head trauma sign is trouble moving after the injury. Mobility problems range from not being able to move a limb to lack of coordination, according to the NIH. Head trauma patients also may become clumsy after the injury, or may have a low breathing rate.
