Traumatic Head Injury: Symptoms and Recovery Process

Trauma head injury occurs when the head is subject to a blow or a wound. When a person suffers a trauma head injury, it should be assumed that the brain is also affected. Because of this, it's imperative that any traumatic head injury be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.

Symptoms

The symptoms of traumatic head injury can vary. If the injury is mild, the patient might experience unconsciousness that lasts no more than a few minutes. Some people don't lose consciousness but are just disoriented or a bit dazed. The patient might have a headache, might have trouble concentrating and lose some of their memory. They might be nauseated, be sensitive to light, be depressed, anxious or moody. They might be drowsy or suffer from insomnia or clumsiness.

People who suffer from more serious traumatic head injuries can be unconscious for several hours. They might not even be able to be awakened. When awake, they might have very dramatic behavioral changes. They might be very confused, have severe and unceasing headaches as well as nausea and vomiting that won't stop. They might suffer from seizures. One or both pupils may be "blown" or dilated, and they might have clear fluid leaking from their ears or their nose.

Children's symptoms may be different as very young children don't have the language to describe their symptoms. Babies might not nurse the way they used to. They may cry incessantly and be irritable. Their sleep habits might be altered. Older children might seem to be depressed and have no interest in things that gave them pleasure before. They might not be able to pay attention as well as they used to.

Recovery Process

After the patient has been treated for the initial injury, he or she may need to undergo a recovery process. With a mild injury, all the patient may need to do is rest for a few days and take pain meds to treat any headaches. Still, even a patient with a mild injury needs to watched to make sure his or her symptoms don't worsen. The doctor will let the patient know when he or she can return to normal activities.

Other patients who have more severe injuries might need rehabilitation. This starts even before the patient is released from the hospital and continues in inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation services. The professionals that may be called upon to help the patient include:

• A pathologist who specializes in speech and language and is there to help the patient recover his or her communication skills.

• An occupational therapist who helps the patient relearn day to day tasks.

• A physical therapist who helps the patient to walk again and regain his or her balance if it's been lost.

• A psychiatrist or a neuropsychologist who supports the patients behavioral, psychological and emotional skills.

• A vocational counselor who tries to help the patient return to work or to find job opportunities.

• A physiatrist, who's a physician who oversees the patient's recovery and rehabilitation. He or she might work with a nurse who specializes in trauma head injury. This nurse also works with the patient's family and is a liaison between members of the patient's support team.