Whether we’re playing basketball, football, skiing, driving a car, or simply walking, accidents can happen at any given time. Although there might be accidents that will only inflict a few bruises here and there, there are also some wounds that can severely impact a person’s life.
A cut close to a large vein, torn muscles, broken bones, and burned skin are just some severe ways of getting injured. However, one part of the body known for being particularly vulnerable to injury and trauma is the head, especially since it’s where the central nervous system is located. An injury in the head could lead to a variety of critical mental complications, which might be life-threatening.
Head trauma can happen when someone receives a heavy blow to the head, which might result in a concussion or falling off a high palace. In most situations, the side-effects of these injuries can happen seconds after the injury has happened. In certain situations, trauma to the head might be delayed and will only manifest later on.
That said, it’s important that we look for symptoms of a delayed head trauma since this could lead to health complications in the near future.
What Counts as a Head Injury?
First and foremost, we’ll need to first discern what counts as a head injury and what parts of the should people be wary of. This will help you respond appropriately to the situation. The term “head injury” is; broader than what most people think, and this could refer to a variety of injuries, which can include blunt trauma, stab wounds, or internal ruptures.
Although most experts would say that head injury will only refer to the upper half of the head, which includes the skill, the scalp, and the brain, this can also include parts of the mouth and jaw.
It’s important to remember that certain types of head injuries can affect different parts of your head. Although your skill and much of your head’s structure are designed to protect your brain, some injuries might manifest inside the skull, which can cause long-term effects that might manifest weeks to months after the injury has happened. In fact, certain types of head injuries, especially those that are from freak accidents, can linger for decades.
Regardless of what the type of injury could be, one must take precautions while they’re in situations that have potential falling hazards.
Here are some types of head injuries that you’ll need to know:
- Concussion – This is one of the most common types of head injuries. Compared to other types of injuries, this is relatively mild. However, it can still have a variety of adverse side effects. Some causes include violent shaking, a blow to the head, and whiplash. The person might feel dazed and disoriented in the first few minutes of the traumatic event.
- Contusions – This is often caused by brain tissue bleeding due to head trauma.
- Penetration – As the name suggests, this usually happens when a foreign object will penetrate the skull and brain tissue. Stab injuries to the skull are relatively rare, but gunshot wounds are known for being fatal. However, there are some instances of people surviving a gunshot wound to the head.
- Coup-contrecoup – This is known for being a more extreme form of concussion and is usually characterized by the head hitting the ground.
Preventive Measures
One of the best ways of addressing head trauma and concussions is by preventing them in the first place. So what are some preventive measures?
Most workplaces that handle construction will usually need their employees to wear protective headgear and safety equipment. This is to ensure that the instances of work-related accidents in construction sites and industrial facilities are kept low.
If you’re an athlete and competing in contact sports, such as wrestling or boxing, you’ll need to wear protective gear around your head to ensure that concussion and trauma from punches are cushioned. It’s also important to protect your jaw and mouth. Your teeth can cause injuries inside your mouth if it isn’t held in place. Fortunately, there are high-quality mouthguards that are designed for damage control. When you’re competing in sports, safety should always be the top priority.
If you’re driving a car, it would be best if you’re fastened your seatbelt. Certain studies have shown that the most frequent types of brain injury are usually from car accidents, with around 800,000 children experiencing fatal and non-fatal head concussions. If you’re riding a motorcycle, you can always wear a helmet while driving within the legal speed limit.
Head injuries can vary in symptoms and will usually be determined by the extent of the damage that’s being inflicted on the skull, the scalp, and the brain. Brain damage and delayed head trauma can be life-threatening and should always be taken seriously. You can always consult a doctor if you have any questions.
