Blunt head trauma can arise after sustaining a blow to the head. This can lead to significant impairment to the brain.
In most cases of traumatic brain injuries, they are possible to occur due to vehicular accidents. Even if there is no open wound, harm to the brain can occur. The potential effects of blunt head trauma are considered permanent and serious and can even disrupt with the normal functioning of the brain.
What are the forms of head trauma?
There are 2 forms of head trauma that can occur – contusion and concussion. In a concussion, the brain is shaken while a contusion results to direct injury to the brain.
Remember that loss of consciousness that occurs from a blunt head trauma can cause significant impairment to the brain. Additionally, damage can occur on the opposite side of the brain as well, especially in cases where the head is moving and strikes a stationary object. The blunt force causes the opposite side of the brain to pull away from the skull and end up damaged.
Signs of blunt head trauma
The indications of blunt head trauma can either arise right away or after injury or develop steadily within a few hours or days. The serious signs that might arise from the injury include:
- Pupillary changes
- Convulsions
- Irritability
The indications of blunt head trauma can either arise right away or after injury or develop steadily within a few hours or days. - Inability to move one or more limbs
- Unusual behavior
- Personality changes
- Confusion
- Low breathing rate
- Drowsiness
- Loss of consciousness
- Low blood pressure
- Severe headache
- Poor coordination
- Slurred speech
- Stiff neck
- Blurry vision
- Vomiting
What are the potential effects?
Always bear in mind that damage to the head can result to serious impairment to the brain. Significant blunt head trauma can result to language and speech issues, chronic headaches, coma, paralysis, changes in sensation, seizures and changes in vision, hearing, smell or taste.
Disclaimer / More Information
The information posted on this page on the effects of blunt head trauma is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn more about the effects, register for first aid training at one of our training centers located throughout Canada. The training centers are in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Kelowna, Saskatoon, Victoria, Surrey, Mississauga, Winnipeg, Red Deer, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax.