Closed head injury

Closed head injury
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Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion
Complications	Intracranial hemorrhage, cerebral edema, seizures
Onset	Acute
Duration	Varies
Types	N/A
Causes	Trauma
Risks	Falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries
Diagnosis	Clinical evaluation, imaging studies
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Observation, medication, surgery
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Varies
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

A closed head injury is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) where the skull remains intact. Unlike open head injuries, where there is a break in the skull, closed head injuries do not involve penetration of the brain tissue. These injuries can result from a variety of causes, including falls, motor vehicle accidents, and sports injuries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a closed head injury can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury. Common symptoms include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Loss of consciousness

Complications

Complications from closed head injuries can be serious and may include:

• Intracranial hemorrhage
• Cerebral edema
• Seizures
• Cognitive impairment

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a closed head injury typically involves a clinical evaluation by a healthcare professional. Imaging studies such as CT scans or MRI may be used to assess the extent of the injury and to rule out intracranial bleeding.

Treatment

Treatment for closed head injuries depends on the severity of the injury. Mild injuries may only require observation and rest, while more severe injuries might necessitate medication to reduce swelling or surgery to relieve pressure on the brain.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with closed head injuries varies. Some people recover fully, while others may experience long-term effects such as cognitive deficits or chronic headaches.

Prevention

Preventive measures for closed head injuries include wearing helmets during sports and biking, using seat belts in vehicles, and implementing fall prevention strategies in the home.

See also

• Traumatic brain injury
• Concussion
• Brain injury rehabilitation

External links

• CDC Traumatic Brain Injury
• BrainLine