Any trauma to the head — including your skull, scalp, or brain — is considered a head injury and can be potentially serious. Traumatic brain injuries, concussions, skull fractures, and lacerations to the scalp are all classified as head injuries.
Head injuries can be deceiving. If you suffer an open injury, you may witness a lot of bleeding that is concerning but can be minor. A closed injury may have done a lot of damage to your brain, but the signs aren’t evident upon initial examination.
If you or a loved one suffers a head injury, get it checked at Village Emergency Centers. When it comes to your brain, it’s much better to take every precaution.
Symptoms of a minor head injury
If you suffer a fall or blow to your head, you may experience minor symptoms such as lightheadedness, mild confusion, nausea, and a headache. These may appear immediately after the head injury or fail to show up for a few days. Always monitor your symptoms for several days following trauma.
Symptoms of a severe head injury
Experiencing symptoms such as seizures, vomiting, balance and coordination issues, or memory loss after a head injury can be concerning. Even if the injury seems minor, these signs may indicate a more serious underlying issue. If you feel severe headache, even briefly, it’s crucial to visit Village Emergency Center for an ER head injury evaluation. Confusion or disorientation following a head injury is another red flag that should not be ignored.
Other signs to watch for that might signal a more serious head injury include changes in mood, worsening headache, or vision troubles. If symptoms persist for several days after the injury, even if they appear mild, seeking prompt medical attention is essential. Village Emergency Center is equipped to provide comprehensive care and evaluation to ensure your safety and peace of mind. Don’t hesitate to prioritize your health—head injuries require professional attention to rule out potential complications.
Signs of concussion
A common head injury is a concussion, which occurs when a temporary loss of normal brain function results from an injury. While a one-time, mild concussion usually doesn’t cause long-term damage, repeated concussions are a serious concern as they can lead to permanent brain damage. Recognizing and addressing a concussion promptly is critical to ensuring proper care and recovery.
Signs of a concussion, including lightheadedness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, headaches, vomiting, decision-making difficulties, and trouble with balance, can affect individuals of all ages. In children, additional symptoms may include irritability, excessive crying, changes in eating or sleeping patterns, and lack of interest in favorite activities. If you notice any of these concussion signs in children or adults, it’s vital to seek medical attention promptly.
Village EC provides comprehensive emergency room care for concussion treatment, offering thorough evaluations to ensure no underlying issues are missed. Whether the symptoms seem mild or severe, prioritizing a professional assessment can prevent potential long-term complications and ensure a safe recovery.
Treatment options
How we at Village EC treat your head injury depends on the type and severity of your case. In minor instances, over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen, can help with discomfort and temporary symptoms. But avoid drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin because they can increase bleeding — both internally and externally.
If you or your child has a superficial wound on the scalp that’s causing lots of bleeding, it may need stitches.
You can sleep following a head injury, but have someone nearby who can awaken you every couple of hours to ensure you’re OK. In serious cases of injury, you may need to be admitted to a hospital.
Don’t ignore a head injury. Even if there are no visible signs of damage, internal complications could compromise your health and long-term function. If you’re concerned, visit Village Emergency Centers for immediate care. With locations in Jersey Village and League City, our board-certified doctors are available 24/7 to ensure your safety and well-being. Find your nearest Village Emergency Center today.