Head injuries are a common occurrence and are often minor since the thickness of the skull protects the brain from severe trauma. However, symptoms of any head trauma can be misleading as to the severity of the injury and treatment should always be considered.

Types of Trauma

Closed head injury occurs when the head is struck but the skull is not broken. Open or penetrating head injury indicates impact with an object that penetrates the brain.

Concussion

Concussions occur when a blow to the head causes the brain to impact the inner wall of the skull. Following a CT scan or MRI, treatment usually involves full rest and pain medications.

Subdural Hematoma

Subdural hematomas are a result of bleeding that builds up between the brain and the inner wall of the skull. A serious condition, treatments include diuretics for minor hematomas to reduce swelling, surgical drainage through a burr hole in the skull, or craniotomy where part of the skull is opened to remove the blood in serious cases.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage is the build up of blood between the brain and the thin membrane encasing the brain. Treatments can include careful observation for minor bleeding, blood pressure medication to decrease heart rate, or cranial surgery in severe cases to remove blood and prevent further injury.

Considerations

Head injuries do not often indicate obvious symptoms even though injury may be severe. Severe damage can be present even without loss of consciousness or change in physical state or behavior. Always consult a physician immediately following any sort of head impact.

Source:

Brain Injury

The Mayo Clinic

The National Library of Medicine: Medline Plus