Prof. Dr. Hakan Emmez practises neurosurgery at his private clinic and at Güven Hospital in Ankara, with a focus on radiosurgery (Gamma Knife, CyberKnife), neuro-oncology, neurovascular surgery and spinal surgery.

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0505 653 14 78

hakanemmez@gmail.com

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Head Trauma

Head trauma covers injuries caused by blows to the head from falls, road accidents or sports, ranging from mild concussion to severe brain injury.

What is head trauma?

Head trauma refers to injuries of the scalp, skull or brain caused by an external force. In adults the most common causes are road accidents, falls, workplace accidents and sports injuries; in older people, simple falls become an important cause.

Head injuries are classified as mild, moderate or severe according to the level of consciousness and neurological findings. The main conditions that can follow head trauma are:

  • Concussion: Temporary disturbance of brain function without obvious damage on imaging
  • Skull fractures: Linear, depressed or skull-base fractures
  • Epidural and subdural haematomas: Collections of blood between the skull and the brain
  • Brain contusion: Bruising and areas of bleeding in the brain tissue
  • Diffuse axonal injury: Widespread damage to brain connections caused by sudden acceleration and deceleration

Symptoms

After a head injury, go to the emergency department without delay if any of the following is present:

  • Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
  • Worsening headache
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Drowsiness, difficulty waking or confusion
  • Seizures
  • Speech disturbance, weakness of an arm or leg
  • Unequal pupils
  • Clear fluid or blood coming from the nose or ears
  • Any head injury in an older person or someone taking blood-thinning medication

Diagnosis

Assessment begins with the level of consciousness (Glasgow Coma Scale) and neurological examination. When indicated, brain CT is the key investigation, quickly showing bleeding and fractures. MRI may be used for further evaluation in some cases. Observation for a period may also be recommended after mild injuries.

Treatment Approach

  • Mild head injury: Most patients recover with observation and pain relief. Patients sent home should be watched by a relative for the first 24 hours and should return if warning signs develop. After concussion, rest and a gradual return to activities are important.
  • Moderate and severe injury: Intensive care is needed, with control of intracranial pressure, seizure prevention and treatment of other injuries.
  • Surgery: Evacuation of compressive epidural or subdural haematomas, elevation of depressed fractures and, when intracranial pressure cannot be controlled, decompressive surgery may be performed.
  • Rehabilitation: After severe injuries, physiotherapy, speech therapy and cognitive rehabilitation are an important part of recovery.

Prevention

Wearing a seatbelt in vehicles and a helmet when cycling or riding a motorcycle, reducing fall hazards at home for older people and following workplace safety measures are the most effective ways to prevent head injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Patients who have been assessed by a doctor and sent home can sleep, but it is recommended that a relative checks on them at intervals during the first 24 hours to make sure they can be woken.

No. The doctor decides whether CT is needed based on criteria such as level of consciousness, age, use of blood thinners and examination findings.

A return to sport is recommended only after symptoms have fully resolved, through a graduated programme and with medical clearance. Returning too early can increase the risk of re-injury.

The information on this page is for general informational purposes only. As every patient's clinical situation is different, diagnosis and treatment require evaluation by a physician.