What Are the Symptoms of a Closed Head Injury?
In the past, many doctors thought closed head injuries were not as serious as ones that involved an actual fracture of the skull. Now, the medical community understands that the brain swelling and inflammation of a closed head injury can be every bit as devastating as a penetrating wound. A closed head injury can be difficult to diagnose, as it is not visible from the outside. Unless a person has been involved in a serious accident, a head injury from a fall could potentially go unnoticed for days or weeks until symptoms appear. Commonly-seen symptoms include: • Headaches, nausea, sleepiness or dizziness • Changes in behavior and mood (including sudden irritability or depression) • Dilated pupils • Memory loss or confusion • Trouble with coordination • Drainage of fluids from ears or nose • Extreme fatigue • Seizures • Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs Consequences of a closed head injury can last a lifetime, requiring specialized care to keep a victim safe and functional. Rehab
