About 1.1 million people experience a head injury every year. Some head injuries are extremely mild, but others can cause hospitalization and, in some cases, death.
If you think you may have experienced a head injury, it is important to know the common symptoms. They include headaches, memory loss, confusion, vision trouble, and loss of consciousness, to name a few.
Here is a brief guide on the different types of head injuries.
- Concussion
A concussion is one of the most common types of head injuries people know about. It occurs when the brain “hits” the inside walls of the skull with a certain amount of force.
Concussions can range from mild to severe. They can cause memory issues or loss of consciousness.
- Skull Fracture
A skull fracture is basically a broken bone. There are different levels of skull fractures, ranging from mild to potentially life-threatening. A linear fracture is similar to a hairline fracture. The bones are still where they should be, but there is a small hairline fracture in the skull.
A basilar skull fracture occurs at the base of the skull. Those with this type of fracture need to go to the hospital. They might experience bruising around the eyes and ears and have clear discharge coming from their nose.
- Intracranial Hematoma
An intracranial hematoma (ICH) is a blood clot inside the brain tissue. These can cause severe brain injuries if not caught and treated in time.
Usually, a blood clot will stay in one place. This is an immobile blood clot and can be harmless. But if a blood clot breaks free, it can cause a stroke or even death. A large enough blood clot can restrict oxygen to the brain.
- Brain Hemorrhage
A brain hemorrhage is commonly known as a brain bleed. A hemorrhage can result from a traumatic brain injury, or it can happen on its own for other health reasons. You may experience a sudden and severe headache, blurred vision, and dizziness.
Common Ways People Get Head Injuries
One common way that people can suffer from head injuries is through contact sports. Football and cheerleading are two of the highest-rated sports and activities where concussions occur. In fact, concussions can account for nearly 30 percent of all cheerleading-related injuries.
Car accidents are another common way that people can receive a brain injury. If this has happened to you or a loved one, you have legal options to help get a settlement to pay for your medical care.
Looking to Learn More About the Different Types of Head Injuries?
Head and brain injuries are serious injuries and can have lasting consequences if the proper treatment is not provided. It is important to know the different types of head injuries, so you know when to seek treatment.
Are you looking for more information on head injuries and common symptoms? Be sure to follow along for more articles about all things health and science-related.
