Head Trauma Symptoms

Head trauma can range from mild to severe. In some cases, you may only have a mild headache. In severe cases, death is a possibility. Head trauma can occur due to a car accident, being shot in the head, being punched in the head or even falling down the stairs and striking your head on a hard object. If you've experienced head trauma, have someone drive you to the hospital or call an ambulance.

Identification

• There are two main classifications of head injuries. An open head injury means that the skull was opened and an object was introduced to the brain (such as during a car crash or gunshot wound). A closed head injury means that the skull was not broken during a blow to the head.

Types

• A concussion means that the brain was shaken. A contusion means that there is a bruise on the brain.

Concussions

• Concussions can cause symptoms such as dizziness or vertigo, light-headedness, an inability to concentrate, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, depression and memory problems. The patient may also lose consciousness briefly.

Long-Term Damage

• Severe brain trauma can result in long-term or even irreversible damage. These symptoms may include seizures, paralysis, communication problems, chronic headaches, coma and the loss of senses such as smell, touch, taste, vision and hearing. An open head injury may also cause death.

Other Symptoms

• Other symptoms of brain trauma that require immediate medical attention include a low breathing rate, unusual drowsiness, stiff neck, severe headache, vomiting, changes in pupil size, fluid draining from the ears, mouth or nose and an inability to move a body part.