Brain Injury

Causes

A closed head injury is caused by a blow to the head or severe jerking motions of the head, neck, or body. Common causes are:

• Accidents, such as motor vehicle, work- and sports-related accidents
• Falls
• Abuse, such as shaken baby syndrome

Head Injury

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Risk Factors

Falls raise the risk of closed head injuries in older adults. Other things that may raise the risk are:

• High-impact sports, such as boxing, basketball, baseball, or football
• Physical abuse
• Alcohol or substance use disorder

Symptoms

A person may have problems right away or in the days and weeks after the trauma. Problems may be:

• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Lightheadedness
• Feeling very sleepy
• Weakness or numbness in arms or legs
• Problems with memory or focus
• Double or blurry eyesight
• Problems speaking
• Changes in mood or behavior
• Seizures
• Loss of alertness

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. You will be asked how the injury happened. If you cannot speak, others may answer questions for you.

Pictures may be taken of the brain. This can be done with a CT scan.

Brain function may be tested. This can be done with neuropsychological tests.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on how severe the closed head injury is. The goal of treatment is to give the brain time heal and to avoid lasting problems. Choices are:

Mild Injury

Mental and physical rest will be needed to give the brain time to heal. This includes limiting mental tasks like work or school. Problems may get worse when a person returns to normal activity too soon. It can also slow healing.

It will take longer to return to a sport or other physical activity. Having a second head injury before the brain has fully healed can lead to severe problems.

Moderate or Severe Injury

Emergency care will be needed. It may be:

• Supportive care, such as oxygen, IV fluids, and nutrition therapy
• Medicines to:
  • Ease swelling on the brain
  • Manage or stop seizures

People who are not helped by these methods may need surgery. Choices are:

• Burr holes made through the skull to allow excess fluid to drain
• Craniotomy to remove a section of the skull to allow room for swollen tissue

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation may be needed to help with long term healing. Choices are:

• Physical therapy to help with strength, flexibility, and range of motion
• Occupational therapy to relearn tasks of daily living
• Speech therapy
• Mental health therapy to cope with emotions

Prevention

The risk of this problem may be lowered by:

• Using seat belts and child safety seats when in a motor vehicle
• Using safe, age-appropriate methods when playing sports
• Wearing a helmet when doing activities, such as:
  • Playing a contact sport like football, soccer, or hockey
  • Riding a bike or motorcycle
  • Using skates, scooters, and skateboards
  • Catching, batting, or running bases in baseball or softball
  • Riding a horse
  • Skiing or snowboarding

Falling is a common cause in older adults. The risk may be lowered by:

• Using handrails when walking up and down stairs
• Having safety gates by stairs and safety guards by windows
• Using grab bars in the bathroom
• Placing non-slip mats in the bathroom
• Keeping walkways clear to avoid tripping
• Making sure rooms and hallways are well lit