What is a head injury?

Any head trauma that causes damage to the scalp, skull, or brain is classified as a head injury. This means that a wide variety of injuries fall under this classification, from a simple bump on the head to a much more serious brain injury.

 

Symptoms of a serious head injury include:

• Loss of consciousness or drowsiness

• Change in the size of pupils or unequal pupil size

• Irritability

• Vomiting

• Severe headache

• Memory loss

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A closedhead injury does not penetrate the skull, while an open or penetrating head injury means that an object broke through the skull and entered the brain. Read more about brain injuries. (link)

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What causes a head injury?

A head injury is caused by direct force to the head. In car accidents, head injuries are often obtained when a person’s head hits the windshield or dashboard. A serious open head injury can also occur if a person goes through the car’s windshield.

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How is a head injury diagnosed?

A neurologist will first ask you questions about your accident and how your head was injured. Generally, an MRI will be performed to give the doctor a better indication of how severely you are injured, and to rule out more serious brain injuries such as concussion and hemorrhage.

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How do you treat a head injury?

Head injury treatment varies widely depending on the severity of the injury. In instances of mild to moderate head injury, no treatment is required beyond pain management and monitoring for complications. In cases of more serious head or brain injury, it may be necessary to discuss surgical options.

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What is the recovery time for a head injury?

Your recovery time depends on a number of factors, including your age, the severity of your injury, and your health. In most cases of mild head injury, you should be able to return to your level of normal activity in about two weeks. However, keep close watch over any mildly injured person for the first 24 hours to ensure that more serious symptoms do not develop, as these are often delayed.

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If you’ve been in a car accident in New Jersey and need treatment for a head injury, please call us at 866-609-4448 or fill out our quick contact form for a consultation.

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Whether your injury is a small one, or is more serious, the staff at Sall Myers Medical Associates has your needs covered.