Consequences of Head Injuries

Head Injuries

• Head injuries can be classified as open or closed, depending on whether the skull is fractured or not
• Open head injuries involve a broken skull, while closed head injuries do not
• Both types can cause damage to the brain and bleeding, which can lead to increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP)

Intracranial Pressure (ICP)

• ICP is the pressure within the skull, normally ranging from 5-15 mmHg
• Elevated ICP can be caused by head injuries, stroke, or other conditions, leading to further brain damage
• Monitoring ICP is crucial to ensure prompt treatment and prevent complications

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• TBI is a type of head injury caused by external force, such as a blow to the head or a penetrating head injury
• TBI can cause cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes, ranging from mild to severe
• Symptoms may include confusion, loss of consciousness, memory loss, and mood changes

Spinal Injuries

• Spinal injuries can be classified as complete or incomplete, depending on the severity of nerve damage
• Complete spinal injuries result in total loss of motor and sensory function below the level of injury
• Incomplete spinal injuries result in partial loss of motor and sensory function, with varying degrees of severity
• Spinal injuries can be caused by trauma, such as falls or road accidents, or non-traumatic events, such as infections or tumors.