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Head Trauma & Coma Recovery

Head trauma is any injury to the head. The results can range from a minor bump to a coma. While complications and exceptions are always possible, full recovery from both is often expected and obtainable.

  1. Causes

    • Head trauma can be caused by a hit to the head, fall, sports-related injury, fight, or traffic accident. A coma can also result from the aforementioned incidents as well as from a drug overdose, brain infection or tumor, or anything that causes a lack of oxygen to reach the brain for a long period.

    Significance

    • Most head injuries and traumas are minor due to the hard protection provided by the skull. Comas are always serious because the brain is left functioning at its lowest level.

    Effects

    • Head trauma can cause serious brain injury or coma. While no visible signs of injury may be present, internal damage can result in prolonged and irreversible brain damage and/or coma.

    Time Frame

    • Symptoms from a head trauma may be delayed. The injured person should be carefully monitored for the first 24 hours. Recovery from many head trauma injuries requires no treatments. A coma requires hospitalization, careful doctor monitoring, and usually lasts for a few weeks. Some endure for years.

    Considerations

    • Head trauma recovery can be quick with few symptoms. Headaches, nausea, vision and speech problems, and lack of concentration may be bothersome for a short time. When a person wakes from a coma, he/she will be disoriented, confused, and slow. Physical and occupational therapy may be needed.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Wearing seat belts and helmets, being aware of surroundings, and getting help quickly to an injured person can prevent head injuries and trauma.

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