Head Trauma

You've probably bumped your head at one time or another. Most head injuries are minor, resulting in simple cuts and bruises that can often be treated with basic first aid. However, a head injury can also be life-threatening. This is particularly true if it involves a loss of consciousness (concussion), even if only briefly.

Another concern after serious head injury is possible unseen bleeding that affects the brain. Bleeding on the surface of the brain or within the brain is serious, as it may compress and damage the brain. Skull fracture or neck fracture may also be a concern.



If any of the following occur after head trauma, seek emergency care and evaluation.:

• Loss of consciousness, sometimes occurring a few hours after injury
• Dazed pr confused feeling
• Memory loss
• Nausea or vomiting
• Partial paralysis
• Partial sensory loss
• New neck pain
• Numbness or weakness of the extremities
• Unusual or prolonged headache
• Bruising or discoloration around the eyes or behind the ear
• Blood or clear, watery fluids coming from the ears or nose.