Head Injuries

Injuries to the central nervous system resulting in a head injury or spinal cord injury are most likely to result in death or lifelong disability. Nationally, about 1.5 million Americans sustain a head injury and 11,000 persons are hospitalized for spinal cord injury each year.

Symptoms of a head injury can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the brain. A person with a mild head injury may remain conscious or may experience a loss of consciousness for a few minutes.

Other symptoms of a head injury include: Headache Confusion Lightheadedness Dizziness Blurred vision or tired eyes Ringing in the ears Bad taste in the mouth Fatigue or lethargy A change in sleep patterns Behavioral or mood changes Trouble with memory, concentration, attention, or thinking.

A person with a moderate to severe head injury may show these same symptoms, in addition to the following: A headache that gets worse or does not go away Repeated vomiting or nausea Convulsions An inability to awaken Dilation of pupils Slurred speech Weakness Loss of coordination Confusion and agitation

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. TBI can result when the head suddenly and violently hits an object, or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue.

For more information, please call ResourceLink at (480) 728-5414.