Closed Head Injury Symptoms

A closed head injury is a blow to the head that does not cause the skull to fracture. The blow shakes the brain or slams it against the skull. This causes a concussion, bruising or bleeding in the brain. Closed head injury symptoms can occur immediately or they may appear several hours or days after the incident. The head itself may look unhurt; therefore, a medical professional should evaluate head injuries.

Physical Symptoms

Some symptoms of a closed head injury can be detected through observation such as clear or bloody fluid leaking from the mouth, nose or ears, abnormal or unequal pupil size, seizures, lack of coordination in movement, clumsiness, slurred speech, vomiting, paralysis and distorted facial features. Upon examination, a drop in blood pressure and depressed respiration might be observed. The injured person should be watched closely until medical help arrives. The onset of symptoms may be delayed or become progressively worse.

Subjective Symptoms

If the injured person is alert, he may complain of a stiff neck, blurred vision, loss of vision, impaired hearing, decreased sense of smell or taste and feelings of restlessness. He may feel drowsy, complain of weakness and have loss of memory.

Behavioral Symptoms

Behavioral changes can occur because of a closed head injury. The injured person may become hostile or irritable. Small children in particular are likely to become fussy and restless. The person may develop personality changes and exhibit unusual behavior.

Delayed Symptoms

In some cases of head injury, symptoms are slow to appear and then persist for weeks or months. This is known as post concussion syndrome. Symptoms generally appear within seven to 10 days after the incident and last for a few months, although symptoms may linger for a year or more. These symptoms include frequent headaches, dizziness, irritability, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, inability to concentrate, loss of memory and heightened sensitivity to light and noise.

Dangerous Symptoms

All head injuries should be taken seriously. According to the Mayo Clinic, when these symptoms are observed, emergency medical help must be sought immediately: severe headache, bleeding from the ears, nosebleed, loss of balance, confusion, loss of consciousness, arm or leg weakness, unequal pupils, seizures, slurred speech, repeated vomiting, cessation of breathing and bruising behind the ears or under the eyes.

The Mayo Clinic recommends you call 911 when dangerous symptoms are present and while waiting for help, monitor the person for worsening symptoms and begin CPR if breathing stops. Avoid moving the injured person unless it is necessary. Try to keep her quiet and lying down with the head and shoulders slightly elevated if possible.