Head Injury/Concussion

A head injury includes damage to the brain, scalp or skull. In the workplace, falls are among the most common causes of head injury when a worker experiences a bump, jolt, or blow to the head. Head injuries can be closed or open. A closed head injury doesn't break the skull; an open or penetrating head injury breaks through the scalp and skull to enter the brain.

One type of head injury is a concussion, which is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that causes the brain to bounce around or twist inside the skull, stretching and damaging brain cells. Symptoms of a concussion include dizziness, nausea or disorientation.

Although a concussion is classified as "mild" because it is not usually life-threatening, the effects can be serious and last for days, weeks or longer.

A chiropractor or other medical professional can evaluate the full extent of a head injury with diagnostic imaging such as X-rays or an MRI and provide recommendations for treatment. The type of treatment depends on the type and severity of the head injury. For minor injuries, a patient may take medication prescribed by a medical professional. In the case of a significant head injury, hospitalization might be necessary, and surgery may be an option.