Head injury

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Head injury
Synonyms	Traumatic brain injury, Concussion, Cranial injury
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Headache, Confusion, Dizziness, Nausea, Vomiting, Loss of consciousness
Complications	Seizures, Cognitive impairment, Chronic traumatic encephalopathy
Onset	Immediate or delayed
Duration	Varies
Types	N/A
Causes	Falls, Motor vehicle collisions, Assaults, Sports injuries
Risks	Alcohol consumption, Not wearing a helmet, High-risk activities
Diagnosis	Physical examination, Neuroimaging (CT scan, MRI)
Differential diagnosis	Stroke, Meningitis, Migraine
Prevention	Helmet use, Seat belts, Fall prevention
Treatment	Observation, Surgery, Rehabilitation
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Varies depending on severity
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Head injury refers to any sort of injury to your brain, skull, or scalp. This can range from a mild bump or bruise to a traumatic brain injury. Common head injuries include concussion, skull fracture, and scalp wound.

A hole in his head - New Orleans Katrina Survivor

Causes

Head injuries can be caused by traffic accidents, home and work accidents, falls, and physical assault. They can also be caused by sports injuries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a head injury can vary from mild to severe, depending on the severity of the injury. They can include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of balance, confusion, memory loss, mood changes, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a head injury usually involves a physical examination and imaging tests, such as CT scan or MRI. The doctor may also ask about the patient's medical history and the circumstances of the injury.

Treatment

Treatment for a head injury can include rest, pain medication, surgery, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. The treatment plan will depend on the severity of the injury and the patient's overall health.

Prevention

Prevention of head injuries can include wearing a helmet when participating in certain activities, using seat belts and child safety seats in cars, and making the home safe for children and older adults.

See also

• Traumatic brain injury
• Concussion
• Skull fracture