In this Article

• Head injury introduction
• What are the causes of head injury?
• What are the symptoms of a head injury?
• What is the Glasgow Coma Scale?
• When should I contact a doctor about a head injury?
• How is a head injury diagnosed?
• How is a head injury treated?
• What is the prognosis for a head injury?
• How can a head injury be prevented?
• What about a head injury in infants and young children?
• Head Injury At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: Head Injury
• Head Injury Glossary
• Head Injury Index

Head Injury At A Glance

• Brain injuries account for thousands of deaths each year in the US. As well, significant numbers of people suffer temporary and permanent disability due to brain injury.
  
  
• Head injury does not necessarily mean brain injury.
  
  
• Bleeding in the brain usually occurs at the time of injury, but symptoms may develop over time.
  
  
• Medical care should be sought for any patient who is not fully awake after an injury. Activate Emergency medical services or call 911.
  
  
• Computerized tomography is used to look for bleeding and swelling in the brain.
  
  
• Not all patients with minor head injuries require CT scanning.
  
  
• Bleeding in the brain may require neurosurgery to remove blood clots and relieve pressure on the brain.
  
  
• Not all brain injuries require neurosurgery.
  
  
• Prevention is key to avoiding head injury, especially in motor vehicle accidents and sports injuries.

References: S.A. Schutzman, MD, P. Barnes MD, A. Duhaime, MD, D. Greenes, MD, C. Homer, MD, D. Jaffe, MD, R. J. Lewis, MD, PHD, T. G. Luerssen, MD, J. Schunk, MD; "Evaluation and Management of Children Younger Than Two Years Old With Apparently Minor Head Trauma: Proposed Guidelines." Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Vol. 107 No. 5

Head Injury

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

Please describe the cause and outcome of your Head Injury.

Anonymously share your comment to help others.
See 7 Viewer Comments

Submit Your Comment

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• desipramine, Norpramin - Information on the drug Desipramine (Norpramin) prescribed for the treatment of depression. Off label uses incldue the treatment of panic attacks, bulimia, anxiety, neuropathic pain, and more.
• CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) - CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography, CAT scan) is a procedure that assists in diagnosing tumors, fractures, bony structures, and infections in the organs and tissues of the body.
• Headache - Learn about the different types of headaches, migraine, tension, cluster, menstrual, and spinal headaches; and their causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Read more Head Injury related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Helmets Can Save Lives in Winter Sports
• Dementia Risk Higher for NFL Players
• Not All Kids With Head Injuries Need Brain Scans
• For Every Blow to the Head, Quick Action Is Urged