Doctor's Notes on Head Injury (Traumatic Brain Injury)
Traumatic brain injury describes damage to the brain that results from any kind of injury to the head or the body. When a head injury occurs, loss of brain function can occur even without visible damage to the head. Force applied to the head may cause the brain to be directly injured or shaken, bouncing against the inner wall of the skull. The trauma can cause bleeding in the spaces surrounding the brain, bruise the brain tissue, or damage the nerve connections within the brain.
Symptoms of head injury (traumatic brain injury) can vary widely from no initial symptoms to coma. Symptoms of traumatic brain injury may include
- unconsciousness (even for a short period),
- prolonged confusion,
- seizures, and
- multiple episodes of vomiting.
Concussion-type symptoms that result from head injuries may include
- difficulty concentrating,
- increased mood swings,
- lethargy or aggression, and
- altered sleep habits.
A serious head injury should be evaluated by a medical professional to check for a possible concussion.
What Is the Treatment for a Head Injury (Traumatic Brain Injury)?
The treatment for a head injury depends on the severity. A minor head injury that leaves no residual symptoms may not need treatment. Moderate head injuries or those with significant symptoms may need specialist care under the guidance of a neurologist or head injury specialist. Head injuries can lead to concussions and post-concussion syndrome. The goal of treatment of head injuries with the post-concussion syndrome is to relieve symptoms, and may include:
- Physical therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Vision therapy
- Graduated exercise therapy
Head injuries with serious injury, bleeding, coma, neurologic deficits, and/or seizures will need emergency evaluation and treatment at a hospital. Treatment interventions for serious head injuries may include:
- Intensive care treatments
- Surgery
- Oxygenation on a ventilator
- Medications to decrease brain swelling
- Blood pressure control
- Reversal of blood thinners if the patient is on them
- Anti-seizure medications
Must Read Articles:
-
Alcohol Intoxication
Alcohol intoxication is defined as when the quantity of alcohol the person consumes produces behavioral or physical abnormalities. Alcohol is the generic term for ethanol. A person who is intoxicated with alcohol they may have euphoria, poor coordination and movement, poor judgment, memory loss, slurred speech, confusion, and even coma and death if the person consumed enough alcohol. Gender, coexisiting medical conditions, and medications may have an effect on the level of alcohol intoxication a person experiences. -
Bicycle and Motorcycle Helmets
Wearing a helmet while bicycle riding, motorcycle riding, or skiing can prevent severe head trauma and disabilities. Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of a serious head or brain injury by 85%. -
Bicycle Safety
Bicycling is both a common form of recreation and transportation, which means it's important to remain safe through wearing protective gear like helmets and obeying traffic laws. -
Concussion
Concussion (an injury to the brain) can be cause by significant blunt force trauma to the head, for example, falls, car accidents, being struck in the head. Treatment of concussion depends upon the severity of the injury. Concussions can be prevented by wearing protective gear when participating in sports, and taking care that homes are free from clutter and debris that can be easily tripped over. -
Concussion Symptoms and Test
Concussions and mild brain trauma is classified in different ways and has different symptoms. Doctors use various tests to determine risk and treatment. -
Dementia in Head Injury
A head injury occurs when some trauma rocks the skull violently enough that the brain tissue inside hits the inside of the skull, twists, or is other wised shaken violently. With some serious or repeated brain trauma, dementia can result. Symptoms include memory loss, problems thinking clearly, insomnia, and many others. -
Fainting
Fainting or syncope, is a temporary loss of consciousness. Causes of fainting include vasovagal, situational, postural, cardiac, neurologic, and psychogenic. Treatment of fainting depends on the cause. -
How Can I Tell If a Head Injury Is Mild or Severe?
Impact to the head can result in a number of types of head injuries, that can range in seriousness from mild to severe. Symptoms of a head injury depend on the type of injury. -
Seizures Emergencies
Seizures refer to uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain. Symptoms of seizures range from mild to severe and can lead to death. A number of factors can lead to seizures, including brain tumor, injury, and fever. Emergency treatment for seizures can include antiseizure medications to help prevent seizures emergencies. -
Vomiting and Nausea
The many causes of vomiting and nausea include food poisoning, viruses, vertigo, head injuries, gallbladder disease, appendicitis, migraine, brain tumors, and infections. Learn about home remedies and treatment.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.