It's a life-threatening situation. Every head injury, even a minor one, should be taken seriously.
What is Head Trauma?
Head trauma describes injuries resulting from a blow or impact to the skull. This trauma can affect brain tissue, meninges, blood vessels, and nerves. Trauma can range from mild (concussion) to severe (bleeding, swelling, fractures).
Types of Head Trauma
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Concussion (Concussion/Commotion): Change in consciousness or brief loss of consciousness
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Contusion: Bruising of brain tissue
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Skull Fracture: Fractures of the skull
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Epidural / Subdural Hematoma: Bleeding between the meninges
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Diffuse Axonal Injury: Widespread damage to nerve fibers in severe concussions
Symptoms
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Headache
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Nausea/vomiting
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Dizziness, confusion or loss of consciousness
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Speech disorder
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Body weakness, paralysis
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Seizure
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Pupillary anisocoria
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Amnesia
These symptoms may appear within hours or with a delay after the trauma. They absolutely require medical evaluation.
Diagnosis
Brain CT: A fast and effective scan, detecting fractures and bleeding
MRI: Detailed evaluation if there is damage to brain tissue
Neurological Examination: Pupils, state of consciousness, motor functions
Observation: In mild cases, 24-48 hour monitoring may be vital.
Treatment Options
🔹 Mild Traumas:
Observation and rest at home
Information for symptom monitoring and warning signs
🔹 Moderate and Severe Traumas:
Hospitalization
If there is a brain hemorrhage or edema, medical and/or surgical treatment
Intensive care follow-up
Hematoma evacuation via craniotomy
Post-Operative Process
Consciousness monitoring and intensive care monitoring
Neurological evaluations
Rehabilitation process (physical, speech, memory therapies)
Routine control imaging (CT/MRI)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Should I go to the doctor immediately after a blow to the head?
Yes, immediate medical evaluation is necessary, especially if any of the following symptoms are present: loss of consciousness, nausea or vomiting, severe headache, fainting, slurred speech, weakness in an arm or leg, or seizure.
Even if symptoms are mild, the first 24 hours after trauma can be critical. -
If the CT scan is normal, is there still a risk?
Yes. Computed tomography (CT) may not show some minor bleeding or microscopic damage, especially in the early stages.
Therefore, even if the CT result is normal, clinical findings and neurological examination should be taken into consideration. MRI or follow-up may be necessary if necessary. -
When is a head injury dangerous in children?
Children are more susceptible to head trauma. Children under 2 should be immediately contacted by a healthcare provider if they experience symptoms such as falling from heights, vomiting, drowsiness, restlessness, altered consciousness, or seizures. -
Does epilepsy develop after trauma?
Some patients may develop late-onset epilepsy following moderate or severe head trauma. This risk varies depending on the severity of the trauma, the extent of brain tissue damage, and the presence of bleeding. EEG monitoring and preventive treatments are implemented when necessary. -
How long is follow-up required after trauma?
It varies depending on the severity of the trauma. Even in mild cases, observation is recommended for the first 24–48 hours.
In moderate and severe cases, hospitalization and sometimes intensive care monitoring may be required.
