How Head Injuries Can Kill You

Head injuries are minor or detrimental blows to your head that cause brain damage. Many believe that a severe blow cause's damage, however, repeated minor head injuries may cause brain damage as well. The brain, blood vessels, scalp, skull, and spine can be damaged by blows to the head. Typical head injuries are physical blows to the head, with or without an object, motor vehicle accidents, including bicycle and motorcycle, athletic sports, such as boxing, and other accidents or premeditated forces to the head. Parents should be extremely cautious and observant when leaving babies to sleep in open beds, which can lead to a head injury if the child can crawl to the edge of the bed. 15 years ago, I asked a sitter to watch my six month old while I bathed. The sitter assumed she could go get a toy, but my son crawled to the edge leading to a detrimental fall on his head. This injury caused seizures immediately. My son loss consciousness, started vomiting, turned blue, dilated pupils, and I had to perform CPR until EMS arrived. These are symptoms of a detrimental head injury and need prompt medical attention.

The brain can also have a cracked skull with bleeding on the brain. This is hematoma - a mass of clotted blood that forms from a broken blood vessel. Head injuries are not to be taken lightly, including concussions - an injury of the brain resulting in disturbance of cerebral function. Head injuries can result in permanent brain damage and death. Observe those who suffer blows but appear to be fine. There are cases that lead to death days later, because the injuries showed no signs and symptoms. Other signs of head injuries are blood or pink fluid leaking from the ears or nose, indentation in the skull, severe headaches, problems with vision, weakness, dizziness, or paralysis. If you suspect a spinal injury, never move the victim. My son was in a coma and on life supports for two weeks. Sadly, the doctors stated he couldn't survive the injury, but God said, he can, he'll be 15 this year. Hallelujah.

Signs and symptoms taken from the Good Housekeeping Family and First Aid Book.