Head and Brain Injuries Overview

Damage to the skull, causing a break in integrity, often from a penetrating object or blunt force.

Head injury from blunt force, causing acceleration/deceleration or impact against a fixed object.

Mild traumatic brain injury; temporary change in brain function after head trauma, no lasting damage.

Bruising of the brain, often causing unconsciousness, stupor, or confusion.

Widespread brain damage, often leading to coma, associated with severe head trauma.

Collection of blood within the brain following head trauma.

Rating system used to assess the severity of head injuries based on neurological function

Injury to the neck region's vertebrae, always a concern with head trauma and must be ruled out before any interventions.

Wearing helmets during activities like skateboarding, cycling, skiing, and sports like football reduces the risk of head injuries.

Buckling up in vehicles and avoiding dangerous driving behaviors like speeding and driving under the influence helps prevent head injuries.

Storing firearms safely, like locking them up, minimizes the risk of accidental head injuries.

Programs focused on fall prevention are crucial for older adults, as falls are a major cause of neurological injuries in this age group.

Common factors contributing to head injuries include motor vehicle crashes, substance abuse, sports injuries, assaults, gunshot wounds, and falls.

Memory loss before or after a head injury, known as amnesia, is a significant indicator.

The duration of unconsciousness following a head injury plays a crucial role in assessing severity.

Fluid leaking from the nose or ears might indicate a basilar skull fracture, a serious head injury.

High pressure within the skull can manifest as severe headache, nausea, vomiting, altered consciousness, dilated pupils, and breathing difficulties.

A late and serious sign of increased intracranial pressure characterized by high blood pressure, a widening pulse pressure, and slow heart rate.

Families of head injury patients need support from healthcare providers and communities to cope with the emotional and practical challenges.

When a brain injury results in brain death, the family must decide whether to donate organs, a sensitive and challenging decision.

Maintaining stability of the neck is crucial after a head injury, as it helps prevent potential spinal cord damage.

Fluid leaking from the nose or ears could indicate a basilar skull fracture, a serious head injury.

Maintaining adequate fluids is crucial for cerebral perfusion and minimizing edema, but monitoring for fluid overload is essential.