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September 28, 2005, Vol 294, No. 12 >
JAMA Patient Page | September 28, 2005

Head Injury FREE

Janet M. Torpy, MD; Cassio Lynm, MA; Richard M. Glass, MD
JAMA. 2005;294(12):1580. doi:10.1001/jama.294.12.1580.
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More than 1 million head injuries occur every year in the United States. Because head injuries (also known as traumatic brain injuries) are common and may have devastating effects, preventing them is critical. Traumatic brain injury is the result of a blow to the head. This can come from a fall, a vehicle crash, an assault, or shaking a baby. The brain tissue itself may be injured, the blood vessels can rupture and cause bleeding, or a combination of these injuries may occur. Concussion (a temporary loss of brain function), contusion (bruising of the brain), fracture (broken skull bones), and hematoma (blood clot) are all types of traumatic brain injury. The September 28, 2005, issue of JAMA includes 2 articles about head injury. This Patient Page is based on one previously published in the June 11, 2003, issue.

SYMPTOMS OF BRAIN INJURY

  • Headache

  • Fatigue

  • Memory loss

  • Confusion

  • Loss of consciousness

  • Dizziness

  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

  • Nausea or vomiting

PREVENTING BRAIN INJURY

  • Wear a seat belt when riding in a motor vehicle.

  • Wear a helmet for motorcycle riding, bicycle riding, or other activities that risk head injury.

  • Use alcohol only in moderation and never while driving or boating.

  • Assist the elderly in maintaining a safe environment and preventing falls.

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DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS AND TREATMENT FOR BRAIN INJURY

  • Computed tomographic (CT) scan tests use high-speed x-rays. CT images can show swelling, bleeding, or compression of brain tissue.

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests use magnetic energy to produce detailed images of brain tissue, bones, and other structures.

  • Oxygen may be given by mask, nasal tubing, or ventilator (breathing machine). Individuals who are unconscious (comatose) may require a ventilator to breathe for them.

  • Medicines to prevent or treat seizures, decrease brain swelling, control agitation, or control blood pressure may be given to patients with brain injury. The more severe the injury, the more medications and treatments are required.

  • Hypothermia (lowered body temperature) has been shown in some medical studies to help improve recovery after a severe traumatic brain injury. This must be done as part of intensive care for a severe brain injury and must be carefully monitored. Further research is required to determine the effectiveness of this treatment.

  • After the acute phase (first part) of care for the injury, persons with traumatic brain injury often receive intensive rehabilitation to maximize their functional level (what they are able to do) and improve their overall recovery.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

INFORM YOURSELF

To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page link on JAMA's Web site at http://www.jama.com. Many are available in English and Spanish.

Sources: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Brain Injury Association of America, Brain Trauma Foundation

The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be photocopied noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. To purchase bulk reprints, call 718/946-7424.

TOPIC: TRAUMA

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