A closed head injury is trauma to the head that causes the skull and brain to knock or shake. Internal damage can occur to the:
This damage can cause swelling or pressure on the brain. The injury can be throughout the brain and skull. Or, it can be in one region.
Often times, the head injury is minor. But, it can serious and life threatening. It requires care from a doctor.
Closed head injuries are caused by trauma to the head. This is often due to:
These factors increase your chance of developing a closed head injury:
Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors.
Symptoms can appear right away or the days and weeks following the injury.
If you have any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to closed head injury. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. He will also do a physical exam. You may be referred to a neurologist for special testing.
Tests may include:
If you are diagnosed as a closed head injury, follow your doctor's instructions.
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment will depend on:
Treatment options include the following:
For minor injury with little or no symptoms, your doctor may advise that you watch for symptoms to develop in the days and weeks that follow.
If you have a concussion, a responsible adult will need to observe you. You may also need to limit drug and alcohol use.
You may need more testing done. These tests assess how your brain functions. The results can help your doctor determine:
Your doctor may prescribe medication to:
This usually involves making “burr holes” in the scalp and skull and draining the clotting blood. Sometimes a section of the skull is removed to relieve pressure. This is called a craniotomy.
To help reduce your chances of getting a closed head injury, take the following steps:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Neurology
http://www.aan.com/
Brain Injury Association of America
http://www.biausa.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Brain Injury Association of Canada
http://biac-aclc.ca/en/
Ontario Brain Injury Association
http://www.obia.on.ca/
References:
American Academy of Pediatrics. The management of minor closed head injuries in children. Pediatrics. 1999;104:1407-1415.
Closed head injury. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated April 29, 2009. Accessed May 19, 2009.
Kellicker P. Skull and facial fracture. EBSCO Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=15topicID=81. Updated December 31, 2008. Accessed May 19, 2009.
Smoots E. Concussion. EBSCO Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=15topicID=81. Updated February 26, 2009. Accessed May 19, 2009.
Last reviewed June 2009 by Rimas Lukas, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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