Head injuries are injuries that occur to the scalp, skull or brain and can range from mild concussions to severe trauma. While you may recover easily from a mild concussion, severe trauma to the head will probably require specialized medical attention and can result in serious and potentially life-threatening consequences if left untreated.
It is important to recognize the symptoms of severe head trauma as this may mean the difference between life and death or long-term disability.
Common severe head injury symptoms
The following symptoms can indicate severe head trauma and require immediate medical attention:
- Skull fractures or foreign objects: Visible deformities or depressions in the skull or a visible foreign object suggest a severe head injury.
- Blood or clear fluid from the ears: This can indicate a serious injury to the skull or brain, such as a skull fracture or cerebrospinal fluid leak.
- Weakness or numbness: Weakness or numbness in the limbs, especially if it occurs on one side of the body can indicate a severe head injury.
- Changes in behavior or mood: Severe head trauma can lead to sudden changes in behavior or mood, such as irritability, agitation or uncharacteristic aggression. These changes may be particularly noticeable in the immediate aftermath of the injury.
- Difficulty coordinating movements: Impaired coordination, balance problems or difficulty walking can be indicative of damage to the brain or inner ear structures caused by severe head trauma.
- Coma: In cases of severe head trauma, an individual may fall into a coma, characterized by a state of unconsciousness where the person cannot be awakened. Coma can result from various factors such as brain swelling, bleeding within the skull or extensive damage to brain tissue.
- Repeated nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting can be common symptoms following a head injury, but if they persist or occur repeatedly especially accompanied by other concerning symptoms like severe headache, confusion or loss of consciousness, it could indicate more serious trauma to the head and brain.
If you or someone you know suffered severe brain injury due to another party’s negligence, it is important to learn about how you can seek compensation. With that said, it’s important to seek medical attention first.
