A head injury is any trauma that leads to injury of the scalp, skull, or brain. These injuries can range from a minor bump on the skull to a devastating brain injury. Head injury can be classified as either closed or penetrating. In a closed head injury, the head sustains a blunt force by striking against an object. A concussion is a type of closed head injury that involves the brain. In a penetrating head injury, an object breaks through the skull and enters the brain. (This object is usually moving at a high speed.)

Alternative Names

Concussion - first aid; Brain injury; Head trauma

Prevention

Always wear a helmet when biking.

Make sure that children have a safe area in which to play.

Provide adequate supervision for children of any age.

Obey traffic signals when riding a bike. Be predictable so that other drivers will be better able to determine your course.

Be visible. Do not ride a bike at night.

Use appropriate

safety equipment (such as hard hats, bicycle or motorcycle helmets, and seat belts) when involved in activities that could result in head injury.

Don't drink and drive, and don't allow yourself to be driven by someone who you suspect is drunk.

Wear seat belts at all times.

Use age-appropriate car seats or boosters for babies and young children.

Frequently Asked Questions: Q: Can there be brain injury if there is no physical evidence of trauma to the head? A: Yes. Even if the skull is not fractured, the brain can bang against the inside of the skull and be damaged. If there is bleeding inside the skull, complications may follow.