|  | Public Health Safety | First Aid

Symptoms of a Minor Head Injury

Head injuries can occur in anyone, and range from minor injuries that can be cared for at home to life-threatening events that require emergency medical treatment. Fortunately, many minor head injuries can be prevented through the proper use of protective equipment, avoiding certain situations and being aware of potential hazards. Symptoms vary, and include external bleeding, headaches and amnesia.

  1. Bleeding

    • Minor head injuries may cause bleeding, especially if the injury was caused by a projectile or sharp object such as broken glass. Bleeding may also occur if the injury was to soft tissues on the head, such as the nose or lips. However, bleeding that does not stop with light pressure or bleeding from the ears may be signs of a more serious injury that requires medical attention.

    Headache

    • If you sustain a minor head injury, you may develop a headache shortly after the trauma occurs. The headache may last for a few days, and can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by a health-care professional. If your headache gets worse or persists, however, you may need to be evaluated by a physician.

    Memory Loss

    • People who suffer a minor head injury may experience forgetfulness of what caused the injury. This memory loss---or short-term amnesia---can include what happened immediately after the trauma occurred, and the person may be disoriented or confused about what happened to her. Memories of the time just before and after the head injury may slowly return, although she may never regain a full recount of the circumstances and events.

    Mood Changes

    • People who suffer from a minor head injury may feel more tired or sluggish than usual, and this malaise can last for a few days. Children who have a minor head injury may be more cranky than usual and less interested in their favorite activities. Adults who have a minor head injury may feel irritable and depressed for several days after the event.

    Sensory Problems

    • People who have a minor head injury may develop certain sensory problems. Dizziness and loss of balance may occur immediately after the injury and can last for up to a couple of hours. Minor head injuries may also cause temporary blurred or double vision, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or an abnormal taste in the mouth.

    Sleepiness

    • You may feel sleepy after sustaining a minor head injury. Laying down and resting after a head injury can help avoid further injuries that may result from dizziness or instability. However, people who fall asleep after a minor head injury and have difficulty waking up should be evaluated by a doctor, as this is a sign that the injury may be moderate to serious.

First Aid - Related Articles