7 Signs of a Head Injury

Severe head injuries, sometimes called traumatic brain injuries (TBI), can be fatal when left untreated. But when is it time to seek medical attention about a head injury? Here are 7 signs to look for when deciding to visit an ER or Urgent care after a head accident. 

What are some common severe head injuries? 

When it comes to looking out for the signs and symptoms of a severe head injury, it helps to know what types of head injuries there are. Common severe head injuries include: 

Concussion - Concussions are one of the most common severe head injuries and occur when the brain slams against the skull. They usually heal relatively well, but more severe issues can develop if someone suffers from repeated concussions.  

Hematoma - When a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, it can lead to the collection and clotting of blood. This bleeding in the brain can lead to a bump that you may not even notice until a few days after your injury. The three types are intracerebral, epidural, and subdural hematomas. 

Skull Fracture - When the skull becomes broken or cracked, it is known as a skull fracture. The brain can occur with skull fractures as a result of the bone cutting into the brain.  

Edema - Edema or brain swelling can occur with any TBI, and it must be resolved quickly to avoid further damage to the brain. 

What complications can I get if my head injury goes untreated? 

Most severe head injuries, when left untreated, can prove to be life-threatening. However, if you let a concussion go untreated, it may not kill you, but it may cause terrible long-lasting issues. When left untreated, a concussion can lead to poor mental health. You may develop anxiety, depression, and the inability to express emotion. 

So, it is essential to seek care if you experience any of the signs discussed below. 

Top 7 signs you have a head injury 

1. Loss of consciousness - The loss of consciousness is a very important sign to look for. If you lose consciousness during your injury, you need to seek medical attention immediately. 

2. Dilated pupils - Dilated pupils are a sign that your brain has been damaged, and it will be one of the first things your doctor checks for. 

3. Bleeding - Bleeding from the ears or nose can be a strong sign that you have suffered from a serious head injury. 

4. Trouble walking - If you are feeling woozy, stumbling, or having trouble walking after a head injury, you need to seek medical attention. 

5. Confusion - Being confused about what’s going on around you or having trouble focusing can be a sign of a serious injury.  

6. Memory loss - If you are drawing a blank and can’t remember what happened right before or after the accident, you should seek medical attention. 

7. Weakness - Feeling weakness in one side of the body is a strong sign of a head injury. 

When to visit an ER or Urgent Care 

So, knowing the signs of a serious head injury, when should you visit the ER? If you are experiencing one or more of the above signs and symptoms of a severe head injury, you need to head to an ER or Urgent Care immediately. 

Baptist Emergency Room & Urgent Care's emergency room is open 24/7, and urgent care is available from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. Appointments are unnecessary - walk in, and our healthcare professionals are ready to help at both of our locations.

Navarre - 8888 Navarre Pkwy., Navarre, FL 32566. Call the center at 850-750-5698.

Nine Mile - 9400 University Parkway Suite 101A Pensacola, FL 32514. Call the center at 448-227-4600.

Baptist Emergency Room & Urgent Care is comprised of board-certified ER-trained physicians and professionally trained ER nurses who deliver quality medical care. Our urgent care and emergency room can effectively treat various medical conditions. From fever to fractures, allergies to abdominal pain, and colds to concussions, we have you covered with on-site labs, CT, X-rays, and ultrasound.