What Are the Different Types of Head Injury?
A head injury is one of the leading causes of deaths for children and adults throughout the world. It can be caused by a simple hit or bump to the head, or a more severe trauma such as a car accident. Symptoms usually are based on the type and severity of the head injury. The most common types of head injuries are concussions, skull fractures, and intracranial hematomas. In order to determine which type of injury a person has, he usually should be examined by a physician.
Concussions are known as a minor head injury. Adults and children often receive a concussion after hitting their head during a fall, bicycle accident, minor car accident, or sport activity. Symptoms include headaches, confusion, loss of awareness, memory loss, and vomiting, which may last a couple of days or weeks. Normally, doctors treat a concussion by recommending that the patient stay off his feet, get plenty of rest, and may prescribe medications for the symptoms.
Skull fractures are caused when there is a break or fracture in the skull bone. There are four types of skull fractures, which are linear skull fractures, diastatic skull fractures, depressed skull fractures, and basilar skull fractures. The most severe skull fracture is the basilar skull fracture. In more severe fractures, a person may have severe head pain, not be able to walk or balance, or may be in a coma. An overnight or long-term stay in a hospital often is required for many people who have this type of head injury.
Intracranial hematomas typically are known as blood clots in the brain. Blood clots can occur in different areas of the brain. If the clot is found inside the skull and on top on the brain, it is called an epidural hematoma. If the clot is found inside the skull and outside of the brain, it is called a subdural hematoma. This type of head injury usually is severe because if it is not treated, it can lead to death.
Any type of head injury usually can cause short-term or long-term symptoms or damage. Several steps can be taken to prevent head injuries. For example, both adults and children should wear helmets when riding bicycles or motorcycles. In case of a car accident, all passengers should wear their seat belts at all times. By practicing good head safety measures, head injuries can be reduced around the world.
Written by T. Davis
