What Is a Head Injury?

A head injury is any trauma or damage to the skull, brain, or scalp caused by an impact, blow, or jolt. These injuries can range from mild to severe, affecting physical and cognitive function, and may require immediate medical attention depending on the severity.

​​

Types of Head Injuries

• Concussion: A mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head.

• Contusion: A bruise on the brain tissue, often resulting from a direct impact.

• Skull Fracture: A break or crack in the skull, potentially exposing the brain to further damage.

• Intracranial Hematoma: Bleeding inside the brain or between the brain and skull, which can cause pressure and damage.

• Diffuse Axonal Injury: A severe injury that affects the brain’s ability to send signals, often due to sudden rotation or impact.

• Coup-Contrecoup Injury: Damage to the brain that occurs at the site of impact (coup) and on the opposite side (contrecoup).​

​

Head Injury Causes

• Falls: A common cause of head injuries, especially in older adults.

• Car Accidents: High-impact collisions can lead to head trauma.

• Sports Injuries: Contact sports like football, soccer, or hockey often result in head injuries.

• Workplace Accidents: Hazardous environments, such as construction sites, increase the risk of head injuries.

• Violence or Assaults: Blows to the head from physical violence can cause significant damage.

• Bicycling or Motorcycle Accidents: Without proper protection, accidents while biking or riding can lead to head injuries.

​​

Head Injury Symptoms

• Headache or dizziness

• Loss of consciousness

• Nausea or vomiting

• Confusion or disorientation

• Memory problems

• Blurred vision or sensitivity to light

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

• Mood swings or irritability

• Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly

• Severe weakness or numbness in limbs

​​

Head Injury Prevention

Prevention starts with safety precautions to avoid head trauma. At Empower Fitness, Dr. Ezra Miller (Physical Therapist) can work with you to design exercises that strengthen neck and upper body muscles to help reduce the risk of head injury.

​​

PT also teaches proper posture and balance techniques, while offering strategies for improving coordination and reaction time. Using protective gear like helmets during high-risk activities such as biking or playing contact sports also significantly reduces the chance of injury.

​​​

Head Injury Treatment

When treating a head injury, Doctor Ezra Miller - Physical Therapist will follow a step-by-step approach based on the injury's severity:

​​

1. Assessment: A comprehensive evaluation is conducted to assess cognitive and physical function, determine the injury's extent, and create a personalized treatment plan.

2. Rest and Recovery: For mild injuries such as concussions, rest periods are recommended, followed by a gradual reintroduction of physical activity to ensure a safe recovery.

3. Therapeutic Exercises: Tailored exercises are prescribed to rebuild strength, balance, and coordination, progressively increasing in intensity as recovery continues.

4. Pain Management: A combination of techniques such as manual therapy, cold or heat application, and other modalities may be used to manage pain and reduce inflammation.

5. Gradual Return to Activity: Once cleared for more physical activity, a progressive approach is taken to safely return to activity, ensuring full recovery before engaging in strenuous exercises or sports.