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In case of head injury resulting in unconsciousness, seizures, or uncontrolled bleeding, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

If you suspect someone has a head injury, it’s important to seek medical help immediately. Symptoms of a serious head injury include loss of consciousness, confusion, severe headache, vomiting, and difficulty speaking or moving. Even if symptoms seem mild, it’s always best to get medical advice to ensure the injury is properly evaluated and treated.

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• Blows or knocks may cause head injuries leading to brain trauma like concussion.
• Non-concussive head injury symptoms include swelling, alertness, and interaction.
• Prevent head injuries by wearing seat belts, reducing falls, and following safe sports practices.

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Head injuries can range from minor bruising to severe brain trauma resulting in disability or fatality.

Immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent complications from head injuries.

Common symptoms of a head injury include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

It is important to monitor a person with a head injury for signs of worsening condition, such as repeated vomiting, seizures, or difficulty waking up.

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Minor head injuries may only cause bumps or bruises without vomiting or loss of alertness.

Concussion is a temporary disruption of brain function that may lead to confusion or loss of consciousness.

Seek urgent assistance for head injuries causing vision issues, seizures, or weakness.

It’s important to monitor symptoms after a head injury, such as headache, dizziness, or memory problems, and seek medical attention if they worsen or persist.

Remember to rest and avoid activities that may worsen symptoms, such as physical exertion or screen time, until properly evaluated by a healthcare provider.

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If severe headache, confusion, or seizures occur after a head injury, immediately call for emergency medical assistance.

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If a person with a head injury is unresponsive, administer CPR, support the head and neck, and apply pressure to any wounds causing bleeding.

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Common causes of head injuries include car accidents, sports incidents, falls, and assaults.

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In hospitals, pain management and close monitoring are provided for head injuries. At-home care involves rest, ice packs, and avoiding certain activities to aid in recovery. It’s important to follow the healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and attend follow-up appointments for proper healing.

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Prevent head injuries by wearing seat belts, helmets, adhering to safety guidelines, and preventing falls.

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Most adults recover from mild head injuries within 2 days, while children may require up to 4 weeks. Seek medical attention for ongoing symptoms.

It is important to monitor for symptoms such as persistent headaches, dizziness, confusion, or difficulty concentrating. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, avoid activities that could potentially worsen the injury, such as contact sports or activities with a high risk of falling.

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Contact the healthdirect helpline for assistance or utilize recommended resources for additional support.

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Watch videos on reducing the risk of brain injuries in Indigenous communities.

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Access information sheets on head injuries in different languages for easy comprehension.

Source:

Last reviewed: December 2023

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• Concussion
• Mini Mental State Examination
• Subdural Hematoma
• Neurological assessment
• Brain imaging studies
• Management and treatment options

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Discover more resources from reputable partners pertaining to head injuries.

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Concussion is a head injury that can develop into severe conditions. Immediate medical attention is necessary.

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If consciousness is lost following a head blow, refrain from physical activities and promptly consult a medical professional.

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Learn about signs and necessary actions after head injuries in infants and young children.

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Primary treatment for mild head injuries involves rest and avoidance of exertion.

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Children with concussions should rest and gradually resume normal activities under medical supervision.

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Repeated head injuries are associated with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition.

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Head injuries are serious and require immediate medical attention. A strong impact from a fall, knock, or assault can harm the brain, even without visible trauma signs. Symptoms include altered consciousness, leaking fluid from eyes or nose, black eyes, vision changes, and nausea.

More information on Better Health Channel website

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Concussions disrupt regular brain function. Learn about symptoms, treatments, and recovery process.

More on Connectivity Traumatic Brain Injury Australia website

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Gain insight into CTE, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Explore CTE brain injuries in Australia.

More on Brain Foundation website

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Learn about concussion symptoms, treatments, and management. Discover information about managing concussions in Australia.

More on Brain Foundation website

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Traumatic brain injuries result from head impacts damaging brain tissue. These injuries can be penetrating or non-penetrating.

More on Ausmed Education website

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Understand CTE, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options in Australia.

Read more on Brain Foundation website

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Explosions generate kinetic energy leading to a variety of injuries.

Read more on Connectivity Traumatic Brain Injury Australia website

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Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is an alcohol-related brain injury associated with prolonged alcohol consumption.

More on Ausmed Education website

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healthdirect Australia is not responsible for the content found on external websites.

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• Concussion
• Mini Mental State Examination
• Subdural Hematoma
• Cognitive function may be affected following a concussion, leading to symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, and difficulty concentrating.
• The Mini Mental State Examination is a widely used test to assess cognitive function and screen for dementia.
• A subdural hematoma is a type of brain injury caused by bleeding between the brain and the skull, often resulting from head trauma.

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Children often experience head injuries of varying severity. Bumps, scratches, or TBIs are potential outcomes. Seek appropriate care based on the location and seriousness of the injury.

In 2020, CDC reported that 6.8% of children showed symptoms of brain injury. The likelihood increases with age.

Dr. Wilson offers insights on common pediatric head injuries, signs, prevention, and when to seek care.

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Kids may sustain various head injuries, from mild bumps to serious TBIs. These might include cuts, bruises, fractures, and concussions.

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Most children will encounter a head bump at some point, warranting assessment for infants and toddlers. Evaluate the injury site before determining the appropriate care.

Monitor bumps and cuts, and seek medical assistance if swelling or bruising worsens.

After falls or bumps, check for soft spots in babies and toddlers.

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To address head cuts, manage bleeding and clean the wound. Seek medical aid for deep or contaminated cuts.

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Facial or skull fractures necessitate immediate evaluation, especially when experiencing swelling, bruising, pain, or vision changes.

An ER visit may be required for a thorough assessment and referral to specialists.

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TBIs occur within the brain, leading to various patterns of damage. Falls and trauma are common causes.

Brain injuries are categorized as mild, moderate, and severe.

Moderate to severe TBIs result in prolonged loss of consciousness and may be detectable on imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs. These injuries may involve brain bleeding or swelling, occasionally leading to seizures.

Such TBIs can have enduring effects on a child’s well-being, impacting development and causing changes in health, cognitive abilities, and behavior. Learning, self-regulation, social interaction, and participation in sports may also be affected. Parents and caregivers should collaborate with healthcare providers to treat and monitor children with TBIs to minimize future health challenges.

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Concussions represent mild TBIs resulting from a significant head or neck impact, temporarily disrupting brain function without causing structural harm. Common in children engaged in sports like football, hockey, or wrestling, concussions can lead to sports- and recreation-related brain injuries. Timely medical attention is essential to assess for brain swelling or bleeding.

Symptoms of a concussion

Concussion symptoms vary, affecting a child’s physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. Signs like seizures or tonic posturing require immediate medical attention and imaging.

What to do if you suspect a child has a concussion

The response to a concussion depends on the severity of symptoms. Close monitoring is essential, and if symptoms worsen, urgent care or an ER visit is necessary for evaluation.

Concussion treatment involves careful observation, relative rest, and gradual return to normal activities. Medical professionals help parents create a concussion recovery plan if symptoms persist.

Treatment for concussions

Ensure the child’s safety, monitor symptoms, limit activities, and manage symptoms initially with over-the-counter pain relief. Based on symptom improvement, gradually reintroduce regular activities and sports.

If symptoms persist beyond a few weeks, seek medical assistance to identify underlying causes and develop a treatment plan.

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Although alarming, head injuries require varying levels of care. Categorize head injuries based on urgency: home monitoring, immediate assessment, or hospitalization and intervention.

If your child experiences head injuries with symptoms like loss of consciousness, seizures, breathing problems, or neck injuries, it is important to seek pediatric care.

It is crucial for parents to have babies with head injuries evaluated promptly due to challenges in communication. Even minor head injuries should not be ignored, and healthcare providers should be contacted.

Preventing Head Injuries

Children commonly suffer head injuries from falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports-related incidents, and abuse. To prevent such injuries, ensure your home is childproofed and use appropriate safety equipment in cars and during sports activities.

• Home safety tips
  • Secure furniture and use safety gates.
  • Anchor furniture and remove potential hazards.
  • Avoid leaving babies unattended on high surfaces.
• Ensure proper use of car seats and avoid distractions while driving.
• Provide adequate head protection for sports.

When your child engages in activities like biking, skateboarding, or using scooters, make sure they wear a well-fitting helmet and follow road safety rules such as stopping at stop signs, using crosswalks, looking both ways, and staying on sidewalks. In Colorado, coaches of youth sports are required to undergo concussion recognition training. Contact your child’s sports organization to reduce the risk of head injuries.

Dr. Wilson stresses that the severity of a head injury depends on multiple factors, including the child’s age, activity at the time of injury, speed involved, type of impact, height of fall, helmet usage, and more. The seriousness of the situation determines the need for immediate medical attention. Trust your parental instincts if uncertain, as peace of mind is crucial when dealing with pediatric head injuries.