Accidental Head injuries

Head injuries account for thousands of deaths each year. It also leads to temporary or permanent disability in many people.



Head injury does not necessarily mean brain injury. The brain is protected by the skull. The skull is made up of bones and cartilage, which protect the brain. Beneath the skull bone are the meninges. These are membranous coverings of the brain. The meninges encase the brain which has three lobes. Thus the brain is protected from mild to moderate impact.


Head Injury Causes
There are various common causes for head injuries. Some are usual events like a fall. Examples are fall at home from stairs, in the bathroom, from ladders etc. Furthermore vehicle collisions involving cars, two-wheelers, and pedestrians are a common occurrence. Likewise head injuries also happen during sports and exercises. This may be during contact sports like football, hockey, boxing, roller skating and such. Finally head injuries may occur from physical violence. This includes assaults, domestic violence, child abuse etc.


Important to Note

There may be scalp lacerations or skull fractures without any brain injury.
The skull cannot absorb heavy impact from a direct blow and may result in fractures.
There can be bleeding to the brain tissue directly beneath the injury site.
The brain is a jelly-like substance and can bounce around in the skull on impact. Such impact can cause traumatic brain injury.