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Head injuries range from a bump on the head to a skull fracture. Some head injuries are severe enough to cause brain damage or even death.

It is possible to treat a bump or mild injury at home, however, it is important to know the signs and symptoms and when to see a doctor.

Knowing the symptoms of a concussion and some simple first aid can help people respond to a head injury quickly, reducing the chances of complications.

Types: A head injury may present different symptoms.

There are a variety of head injury types, and the injury can be more or less severe within each category.

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when the brain is injured, usually because of an accident. A person may have a TBI if an object hits their head, or if an object penetrates the brain through the skull.

Some examples include falling from a great height onto the head, a ball hitting the head at high speed, or having a gunshot wound. Violent shaking of the head can also cause a TBI, as the brain can bounce or twist in the skull. These cases are often related to whiplash.

A TBI damages the brain, usually causing a blood clot or bruising. A blood clot in the brain is known as an intracranial hematoma (ICH). An ICH can be more or less severe depending on its size and location in the brain.

Symptoms: A head injury may present different symptoms depending on its severity.

Symptoms of a mild head injury include:

• some bleeding and bruising
• a mild headache
• mild dizziness
• amnesia (memory loss) of events before the injury and immediately after it 
• feeling sick or nauseated 
• slow reflexes

A concussion is a form of TBI that temporarily stops the brain from functioning normally. Symptoms of a concussion are not always serious or long-lasting but may cause complications.

Key symptoms of a concussion include:

• confusion
• nausea
• feeling groggy
• a headache
• blurred vision 
• dislike of noise or light
• balance problems
• difficulty concentrating

Symptoms of a moderate head injury include: The damage to the brain tissue creates pressure and swelling on the skull. This pressure is known as ICP (intracranial pressure).

• vomiting
• dilated pupil
• high blood pressure
• abnormal breathing
• a lasting headache
• loss of balance 
• memory problems
• passing out for a short time
• confusion or distraction
• temporary changes in behavior

Symptoms of a severe head injury include:

The skull is made of very hard, thick bone designed to protect the brain from injuries. However, it is possible to break or fracture the skull with a hard impact. If the skull breaks and the bone or another object punctures the brain, a doctor will refer to the injury like an open head injury or penetrating head injury.

• significant bleeding
• having a seizure
• difficulty staying alert or awake difficulty speaking
• slurred speech, lasting headache
• bruises behind the ears
• weakness or numbness
• problems with vision, taste, or smell
• passing out and not waking up
• clear fluid or blood coming out of the ears or nose 

Moderate and severe head injuries require immediate treatment. If the symptoms of a mild head injury last for more than 2 weeks, a person should also seek medical advice.

The symptoms of a concussion do not always appear immediately. Sometimes, a person may develop initial symptoms days or weeks after the injury.

People should always take head injuries seriously. If someone is concerned about their symptoms, even after a mild injury, they should speak to a doctor.