Danger Signs After An Injury To The Head

Head injury, regardless of the type, including surgical operations to the head, is followed by a group of symptoms that may be regarded as common to all forms of cranial trauma.

All of the symptoms may not be found in every patient, but most are present in the majority of instances.

MOST IMPORTANT

1.  First is the presence of possible injury to the brain.
2.  Second is injury to the scalp and skull.
3. If any of the following signs and symptoms of brain injury listed below are observed in the patient, notify your doctor immediately:

• Sleepiness:  This is the main symptom to watch for  –  any decrease in alertness is important!
• Eye pupil changes are very important!  The pupil of the eyes are the black center circles.
  • Normal pupils are equal in size and contract and dilate in response to light
  • Abnormal pupils are unequal in size to indicate brain injury.
  • Unequal pupil size that fail to change size when light is directed at the eyes is a sign of brain injury.
  • Fixed pupils: Remain the same size regardless of the amount of light.
• • Dilated pupils: Pupils remain enlarged regardless of decrease in amount of light.
  • Personality changes: Irritability and confusion.
  • Headache:  It is expected.  If it is long lasting or increases in severity, medical advice is needed.
  • Nausea and Vomiting:  This is often due to the headache.  It can be a sign of increased pressure in the head.
  • Dizziness
  • Ringing in the ears.
  • Elevated temperature above 100 degrees F.
  • Convulsions.
  •  Careful observations of the patient during the first two days after a head injury is  extremely important recognizing complications.