WHAT ARE HEAD INJURIES?

Types of head injuries include the following:

• Concussion: This condition occurs from sudden impact to the head, resulting in a temporary loss of awareness and often no visible injures on the scan. Read more
• Skull fractures Are fractures that occur from direct impact to the head, resulting in breaks of the cranium. Skull fractures can be categorised into different types such as (1) linear fractures, which occur when a fracture is present but the bones have not shifted; (2) depressed fractures, which develop when the skull sinks from outside to inside; and (3) Basilar skull fractures are labelled severe skull fractures which arises from breaks within the bones at the base of the skull.
• Intracranial haematoma: Intracranial haematomas are blood clots found inside or near the brain. Haematomas are categorised according to the size and where they develop in the brain. When they are minute they are often categorised as contusions.

HOW DO HEAD INJURIES OCCUR?

Head injuries are likely to occur as a result of traumatic events like falls, car accidents, assaults and physical abuse.

HOW DO YOU DIAGNOSE HEAD INJURIES?

While the severity of the injury may not be determined entirely after the incident, the following imaging studies are done to determine the extent of the head injury:

• X-ray imaging: This test shows the integrity of the facial and cranial bones.
• CT scan: CT scanning produces clear, detailed images of the brain and the calvarium.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG): A test designed to measure the brain's electrical functions by connecting electrodes to the scalp.
• MRI scan: This procedure involves the use of high-powered radio frequencies, a computer, and expansive magnets to produce three dimensional images of the brain.

HOW DO YOU TREAT HEAD INJURIES?

Treatment for a head injury depends on the severity, type, tolerance for certain medications, therapy, or surgery, the patient's age and medical status.

Typical treatments include the following:

• Analgesics (pain medication) and plenty of rest.
• Stitching of scalp wounds and the application of adhesive bandages.
• Antibiotics for certain skull fractures.
• Sedation and ICU admission.
• Surgery where applicable.