Craniobrain Trauma: What Does It Consist Of?
Craniobrain trauma, as its name indicates, is an injury that affects both the skull and the brain. It can also be a functional impairment that can occur even in the absence of an appreciable physical injury.
It can occur following an impact to the skull from a blunt object or weapon. On the other hand, it can also be due to acceleration and deceleration movements even in the absence of direct impact.
In developed countries, craniobrain trauma is the third leading cause of death. It is the leading cause of death and disability in adults under the age of 45. The main causes are road accidents, falls and assaults.
Young people are at greater risk from the abuse of toxic substances, such as alcohol, or exciting drugs. In this article, we describe the main causes and symptoms of craniobrain trauma.
What are the main causes and symptoms?
We speak of craniobrain trauma when an external force causes brain dysfunction. It is a disorder that manifests two peaks in incidence:
- Young people: generally due to road accidents or assaults. Other possible causes are accidents at work or sports.
- From the age of 65: the main cause is falls.
Symptoms depend on the intensity of the impact. They can appear immediately or after days or weeks.
Mild cranio-brain trauma
Symptoms resulting from a contusion may be non-existent. The most obvious, however, are lightheadedness, disorientation and amnesia. The person may lose consciousness for a few seconds or minutes and usually experience headaches, nausea or vomiting, and fatigue. Other symptoms can be the following:
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual
- Seasickness or loss of balance
- Blurred vision or ringing in the ears
Trauma of moderate or severe intensity
In these cases, the aforementioned symptoms occur, but complications can be greater. The loss of consciousness is more severe, the constant headache and the episodes of vomiting more frequent. In addition to this, seizures, pupil changes and loss of coordination are often present.
The disorientation is far greater. It is important to know that in the case of severe crani-brain trauma the person can go into a coma.
What are craniobrain trauma injuries?
Head injuries can produce a very wide range of injuries. First, it can be open or closed lesions depending on whether or not they affect the scalp.
Fractures of the cranial bones may be present, but it is important to note that the opposite case does not automatically rule out a brain injury. In the presence of fractures, there are usually very visible signs such as bruising around the eyes and bleeding in the ear or nose.
Intracranial, intracerebral haemorrhages may also occur, or may involve the epidural or subdural space. All of them can cause neurological lesions such as paralysis, paresis, speech changes, etc.
Craniobrain trauma sometimes produces diffuse axonal lesions in neurons as a result of an acceleration and deceleration mechanism. The consequences are usually complex and irreparable.
Treatment of a cranio-brain injury
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. When it is mild, treatment involves only a period of rest and observation and the administration of pain relievers. When severe, blood pressure must be kept stable and patient ventilation adequate.
Severe cases must be treated in the hospital where some complementary tests will be performed, such as computed tomography to locate possible injuries. In addition, the patient will be given drugs to reduce intracranial pressure or prevent seizures.
In some cases, surgery may be required to resorb hematomas, stop bleeding, or repair fractures.
In conclusion
It is important to take some safety measures to protect yourself from a possible bruise. The main measure is to drive carefully, avoiding driving after taking alcohol or drugs. Likewise one must wear a helmet when traveling both by motorbike and bicycle. It is equally important to fasten the seat belts correctly.
After a head bump, you should see your doctor. The professional will perform the appropriate examinations and evaluate the patient’s condition in order to prevent future complications.
