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Head Injury Complications

Head Injury Complications

Traumatic brain injuries are more common than one might think, and complications that come with serious head injuries can lead to major issues and even be life-threatening. That is why it’s important to be able to identify the initial complications or symptoms of serious head injuries.

How do head injuries occur?
There are many different ways a head injury can occur, but some of the common ways include:
complications for several hours afterward. Some of the signs to look for include:

  • Car accidents: Car accidents can easily cause head injuries such as concussions, especially if you’re not wearing a seat belt.
  • Hard falls: According to the AANS, falls account for 35% of nonfatal traumatic brain injuries.
  • Playing Sports: Contact sports account for 21% of traumatic brain injuries in adolescents.

Complications and symptoms of head injuries
Sometimes the complications and symptoms of a serious head injury don’t appear right after the injury, and that’s why it’s important to be on the lookout for symptoms and complications for several hours afterward. Some of the signs to look for include:

  • A loss of consciousness
  • Seizure
  • Weakness in one side of the body
  • Slurred speech
  • Dilated pupils
  • Short-term memory loss
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

If you notice any of these symptoms right after or several hours after an injury, you should visit an ER or Urgent Care.

Why should I visit an ER or Urgent Care instead of waiting?
If the only symptoms you experience right after an accident are mild scrapes 1 deposit casino nz.com and bruises, your injury may be minor. Still, if you experience any of the above symptoms, it is important to visit an Urgent Care or ER.

If you are unsure if you are experiencing any of the above issues, you should probably seek medical care to ensure there is no damage to the brain. Waiting to get medical care can lead to a brain injury causing worse issues. Make sure you always monitor your condition for several hours after a head injury in case you experience worsening symptoms.

What treatment options are available for head injuries?
Your treatment plan will be based on the severity of the injury and the injury itself. Some common treatment options are:

Medication, which may include:

  • Pain medicine for headaches, bumps, and cuts.
  • Anti-seizure medication
  • Diuretics to help with swelling

Surgery, which may be used for situations that require the removal or fixing of the skull.

Rehabilitation, which may be required after a traumatic head injury to regain movement and other functions

Again, your treatment plan will vary based on your actual injury, and your head injury may be easier to treat the quicker you get medical attention. Call 911 immediately for a true emergency and consider visiting ShorePoint Health ER & Urgent Care for both emergent and non-emergent services.

By offering affordable pricing and quality care, ShorePoint Health offers a transparent system for patients. With no appointments needed, bills are only based on the level of care received. In-person visits are available 24 hours a day, every day for the emergency room, and open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for the urgent care walk-in clinic.

References:
https://www.aans.org/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Traumatic-Brain-Injury
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/head-injury