Head Injury Causes

All types of head injuries can be caused by trauma. In adults in the United States such injuries commonly result from motor vehicle accidents, assaults, and falls. In children falls are the most common cause followed by recreational activities such as biking, skating, or skateboarding. A small but significant number of head injuries in children are from abuse.

• Penetrating trauma: Missiles such as bullets or sharp instruments (also knives, screwdrivers, ice picks) may penetrate the skull. The result is called a penetrating head injury. Penetrating injuries often require surgery to remove debris from the brain tissue. The initial injury itself may cause immediate death, especially if from a high-energy missile such as a bullet.
  
  
• Blunt head trauma: These injuries may be from direct blow (a club or large missile) or from a rapid deceleration force (a fall or striking the windshield in a car accident).