A concussion is a type of closed head injury, which is often referred to as a traumatic brain injury or TBI. The symptoms of concussion include headache, dizziness, sleep disturbances, visual changes, difficulty with balance, fatigue and memory problems. TBI encompasses
many more brain
injuries aside from concussion.
What is considered a closed head injury?
Closed brain injuries happen when there is
a nonpenetrating injury to the brain with no break in the skull
. A closed brain injury is caused by a rapid forward or backward movement and shaking of the brain inside the bony skull that results in bruising and tearing of brain tissue and blood vessels.
What is the difference between head injury and concussion?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs from sudden trauma which
causes damage to the brain
. TBI can happen when the head suddenly and violently hits an object or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue. A concussion, which is common in physical contact sports, is a form of brain injury.
What are the signs of a closed head injury?
- A headache, could be at the area of impact or over the entire head.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Vision or hearing problems.
- Swelling, bleeding, or bruising on the scalp or around the face or eyes.
Is a closed head injury the same as a traumatic brain injury?
Closed head injury is the
most common type of traumatic brain injury
, also called blunt or nonpenetrating head trauma. This brain injury is caused by an external impact from sudden, violent motion that does not include a break in the skull.
How can I tell if a head injury is mild or severe?
- Mild head injury: Raised, swollen area from a bump or a bruise. Small, superficial (shallow) cut in the scalp. …
- Moderate to severe head injury (requires immediate medical attention)–symptoms may include any of the above plus: Loss of consciousness.
Are all hits to the head concussions?
Concussions are
usually caused by a blow to the head
. Violently shaking of the head and upper body also can cause concussions.
What are the two categories of closed head injury?
Of the two, closed head injury (CHI) is far more common. Types of CHI include
concussion, contusion, diffuse axonal injury, and intracranial hematoma (epidural hematoma, subdural hematoma, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and intraparenchymal hemorrhage)
.
How long does a closed head injury last?
You can expect the symptoms of a head injury to gradually improve
over 1 to 4 weeks
. During that time, your symptoms can fluctuate in intensity: Headaches are common and can be relieved with acetaminophen (Tylenol).
How do you know if your brain is bleeding after hitting your head?
Confusion
.
Unequal pupil size
.
Slurred speech
.
Loss of movement
(paralysis) on the opposite side of the body from the head injury.
Can I sleep if I hit my head?
Most medical professionals say
it is fine
—sometimes even advised—to let people sleep after incurring a head injury. The American Academy of Family Physicians states it is not necessary to keep a person awake after a head injury.
Should I go to hospital if I hit my head?
Emerman says patients who’ve suffered a head injury should
visit the Emergency Department immediately
if they: Lost consciousness or became confused/disoriented after they were injured. Suffered the injury at a high speed (car or bike accident, a steep fall, etc.) Are vomiting or feel nauseated.
How long after hitting head can concussion symptoms start?
In most people, symptoms occur
within the first seven to 10 days
and go away within three months. Sometimes, they can persist for a year or more. The goal of treatment after concussion is to effectively manage your symptoms.
Is a skull fracture a closed head injury?
Skull fractures can result from injuries that break the skin (called open injuries) or do
not break the skin
(called closed injuries). In people with a skull fracture, brain damage may be more severe than in people with a head injury but no fracture.
What are some examples of traumatic brain injuries?
- Concussion. Concussions are one of the more common traumatic brain injuries. …
- Edema. …
- Diffuse Axonal Injury. …
- Hematoma. …
- Skull Fracture. …
- Hemorrhage. …
- Hypoxic/anoxic Brain Injury. …
- Stroke.
What are the three types of TBI?
There are three basic levels of TBI injury:
mild, moderate, and severe
.
