The brain is one of the most impressive organs in the human body. Among its various functions, it allows us to communicate, and is also responsible for body movements.of the five senses and of our multiple actions.
It has sensitive tissues that float in a cushiony fluid inside the rigid, solid skull. “However, a quick blow to the head or a violent jolt can defeat these protections and cause a mild type of brain injury known as a concussion,” describes the National Institutes of Health website.
Accidents can happen at any age. During a concussion, the brain moves back and forth, colliding with the inner walls of the skull. The cause of this violent movement can be a sudden blow to the head and neck, or to the upper body.
Another cause may be sudden acceleration or deceleration of the head, which often occurs during a car accident, a fall while riding a bicycle, or when two athletes collide.
What happens in the brain?
For Guatemalan neurologist José Domingo Barrientos, there are different degrees of severity in blows. There is a scale called Glasgow and it is used by doctors to recognize values in the altered states of consciousness in different post-traumatic situations of the patient.
It is observed if there are spontaneous movements, moans, confusion, or no response, loss of consciousness or the person not waking up, among a list of established follow-ups. The above allows us to specify whether the blow is serious, moderate or mild.
Mayo Clinic physician John Atkinson says the forehead and scalp have a high blood supply, and injuries to these areas often result in bleeding under the skin. When bleeding only occurs in one area, it causes bruising and swelling (hematoma).
Atkinson emphasizes that “even a minor blow to the head can cause significant swelling. The speed, momentum, and size of the person (older adolescents compared to young children) and the forces involved (such as impact with a concrete floor or other hard surface) can increase the chance of serious injury.”
A blow may also affect your function, usually for a short time. Sometimes, a mild traumatic brain injury can cause bleeding in or around the brain, causing prolonged drowsiness, confusion, and even death.
People who suffer a brain injury should be observed for hours after the incident and receive emergency medical attention if symptoms worsen.
What are the dangerous symptoms?
A general guideline is that people who have had a stroke should be monitored for at least two days to see if there are any signs that indicate they should go to the doctor.
It is important to learn to recognize the symptoms of concussions in order to take the necessary measures and avoid complications.
- Loss of consciousness, confusion, or disorientation after a head injury
- Persistent or worsening headache
- Lack of balance
- Vomiting
- Blood or clear fluid coming from the nose or ears
- Memory loss or confusion
- Mood changes, such as irritability
- Memory loss
What should be done after a blow to the head in children and adults?
Barrientos says that trauma or blows are different in a baby, a child, a teenager or an adult. “In a child, you have to monitor their state of alertness, if they have a tendency to sleep, projectile vomiting, or if they are more irritable than normal,” says the specialist. The above symptoms require medical follow-up.
In adolescents and adults, their state of alertness is evaluated, as well as how they respond to verbal stimuli, pain, among others.
In older adults, some symptoms may appear days later, including problems walking, weakness in one half of the body, and confusion.
In some medical histories, memory loss is present, generally it could be temporary, lasting 24 to 36 hours.
What can you take after a blow to the head?
In mild cases and if there is a hematoma, the correct thing to do is to take painkillers and apply ice to reduce the swelling. The accumulation of blood will be reabsorbed and the body will dispose of it.
Moderate and severe traumas require some medications to reduce brain inflammation, Barrientos adds.
In severe cases, medical follow-up is required. Specialists will evaluate whether a CT scan is necessary or not, depending on the severity of the injury, and surgery may be necessary.
Preventing head injuries
It is possible to prevent or minimize the risk of a concussion. This includes wearing protective equipment when playing sports and other activities such as riding a bicycle.
Wearing a seat belt in the car is also important because it prevents serious injuries.
The Mayo Clinic adds the importance of keeping a well-lit house, not leaving things on the floor that could cause us to trip..
Another essential point is to educate the family and different groups about concussions. to identify emergency cases.
Sources: John Atkinson, MD, Mayo Clinic. José Domingo Barrientos, neurologist. El Pilar Hospital. National Institutes of Health.
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