Question

What are the general signs and symptoms of a head injury?

Accepted Answer

The general signs and symptoms of this are:

Lacerations, contusions, or hematomas to the scalp;

Soft area or depression on palpation;

Visible fractures or deformities of the skull;

Decreased mentation;

Irregular breathing pattern;

Widening pulse pressure;

Slow heart rate;

Ecchymosis about the eyes or behind the ear over the mastoid process;

Clear or pink CSF leakage from a scalp wound, the nose, or the ear;

Failure of the pupils to respond to light;

Unequal pupil size;

Loss of sensation and/or motor function;

A period of unconsciousness;

Amnesia;

Seizures;

Numbness or tingling in the extremities;

Irregular respirations;

Dizziness;

Visual complaints;

Combative or other abnormal behavior;

Nausea or vomiting;

Posturing (decorticate or decerebrate)

General Signs Symptoms Irregular Head Injury Lacerations Contusions