M.S. Shook Student Health Service
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Head Injury

A head injury is defined as an event causing rapid deceleration of the head, with or without impact. Traumatic brain injury is a principal cause of death and

The most common causes of head injury are:

  • Motor vehicle accident (50%)
  • Falls
  • Assault

Factors that put one at high risk for head injury are:

  • Alcohol
  • Prior head injury
  • Contact Sports
  • Symptoms of a head injury can be delayed and occur later (even months) after the initial injury. You should call your doctor, go M.S. Shook Student Health Service or to the Emergency Room if any of the following occur:
    • Uncontrollable vomiting
    • Stiff neck
    • Fever
    • Unequal pupils
    • Confusion or change in usual behavior or personality
    • Blurred vision
    • Persistent headache
    • Seizure activity
    • Unable to arouse from sleep
    • Unsteady walking, any loss of use of hands, arms, legs
    • Any numbness
    • Any bleeding or clear drainage from ears or nose

NO sedatives or similar medication should be taken. Tylenol® or Advil® may be taken for discomfort.

Page content reviewed: 06/04/18 fwg