Head injuries include trauma to the scalp, skull and brain. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1.7 million traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur annually in the United States, causing 52,000 deaths. Of greatest concern are serious brain injuries, which may not be initially obvious. Mild TBIs--commonly called concussions--occur when the brain is jostled within the skull. This injury typically resolves quickly. However, it is important to watch for TBI danger signs that may indicate a more serious injury, including bleeding in or around the brain, and brain swelling. If one of the TBI danger signs occurs, seek medical care immediately.
Worsening Headache
Head injuries occur when there is a traumatic impact between the head and another object. As you might expect, this usually causes a headache, which is a normal response to the injury. However, a headache that gets progressively worse is a warning sign that a serious brain injury may have occurred.
Seizures
Seizures or convulsions after a head trauma are a clear danger sign of serious brain injury, especially when they occur in a person who has not previously had seizures.
Nausea and Vomiting
Vomiting commonly occurs shortly after a blow to the head. However, repeated vomiting, with or without nausea, is a danger sign for serious head injury.
Drowsiness or Difficulty Awakening
People with a head injury may sleep a bit more than usual. But persistent drowsiness is a danger sign for serious brain injury. Similarly, if it is difficult to awaken a person who has sustained a blow to the head, this may indicate a serious injury requiring immediate medical care.
Unequal Pupil Size
The eyes can give important clues to what is happening in the brain after a head injury. An important danger sign of serious injury is the presence of unequal pupil size. The pupils are the black centers of eyes. If one pupil is larger than the other is, seek immediate medical assistance.
Slurred Speech and Vision Problems
Slurred speech is always a danger sign after head injury. Similarly, blurred vision, double vision or other vision problems after head injury are warning signs of serious brain injury.
Weakness or Numbness of the Extremities
Serious head injuries may cause abnormalities in the extremities (the arms and legs) including numbness, weakness or poor coordination. These symptoms often occur in one extremity or are limited to one side of the body. The development of any of these warning signs is cause to seek immediate medical attention.
Behavioral Changes
Increasing agitation or restlessness may indicate serious brain injury. Personality changes such as short temperedness, hostility, aggression and combativeness are also warning signs. Watch for behavior that seems odd, inappropriate or out of place.
Irritability
The CDC's Center for Injury Prevention and Control advises irritability is an important warning sign of serious head injury, especially in infants and young children. A youngster who has sustained head trauma and is abnormally irritable or inconsolable should be seen by a medical professional without delay.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Concussion, Danger Signs in Adults
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Concussion, Danger Signs in Children
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Facts for Physicians on Traumatic Brain Injury
- Medline Plus: Head Injury
- Merck Manual: Traumatic Brain Injury
