It is important to note that a head injury can happen due to blunt force trauma from falls or directly struck by an object. The symptoms of a head injury usually include dizziness, headache, ringing in the ears, bleeding and loss of consciousness. Take note that these symptoms tend to vary depending on the severity of the injury sustained. In case of a serious head injury, it can cause some or all of these symptoms right away or can manifest at a later time. An emergency course will acquaint you with the appropriate measures to perform if you suspect that an individual sustained a head injury.
Cognitive functioning
An individual who sustained a head injury that results to a concussion can result to the impairment of the cognitive function. This includes loss of memory of varying degrees and difficulty concentrating. It is also noted that individuals who suffered from moderate head injury can struggle while performing daily tasks that entails coordination such as catching a ball or simply walking.
Changes with the mood
Some individuals who sustained a moderate to severe head injury can experience some changes in the mood. The common changes that are apparent include depression, anxiety, irritability and being upset without any reason.
Increased sensory awareness
Take note that both light and noise can be more startling to an individual after several hours or days following a moderate to severe head injury. An individual will find sound and light to be intense than normal or can be bothersome.
Persistent pain
A headache or pain that develops at the site of the injury can last for several hours. The affected area can swell and tender to the touch. In case these symptoms last for many days, it can indicate a serious head injury. It is also possible to experience symptoms of a head injury that typically resolve after a brief period of time and then worsens. Even neck pain that occurs can also indicate that the head injury is more severe, particularly if it manifests abruptly a few days after the injury.
Energy level
The individual can become increasingly tired than usual after a head injury. Take note that this is not the same a losing consciousness right after the head injury was sustained. Once the damage is severe, the sleepiness can last for several hours or even days after the injury. On the other hand, some can struggle to sleep due to the head injury.
This might be due to pain as well as changes in the functioning of the brain from the injury particularly from a concussion that triggered bruising in the brain. Additionally, the individual can find it difficult to wake up after the injury. This simply indicates a moderate to severe brain injury.
Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting can occur right after a head injury. Take note that these must improve and reappear or might not occur for several hours or days after the injury.
Drainage of fluid
In some cases, there is drainage of fluid from the mouth, nose or ears after a head injury. The fluid can be bloody or clear.