A mild head injury is an injury to the head that results in one or more symptoms, including: loss of consciousness that lasts less than 30 minutes, memory impairments that last fewer than 24 hours, subtle changes in level of consciousness immediately after the accident, and low-level neurological disturbances right after the injury. Although they are mild, such brain injuries can result in permanent damage and it is necessary to receive a workup from a neurologist to assess for any signs of permanent damage.
These types of head injuries can be incurred with a blow to the head, a fall, whiplash, and other types of accidents that result in a closed head injury. A grading scale is used to determine the severity of a mild head injury and to predict the outcome for the patient. The most severe injuries can include retrograde amnesia, where the patient has trouble forming new memories for 24 hours or less after the accident, along with vomiting, nausea, visual disturbances, and confusion right after the injury.
People with mild head injuries usually benefit from rest and fluids. It is not uncommon for headaches to develop. Staying in a cool, dark place and taking analgesics if they are recommended by a physician will help a patient recover from a mild head injury. People who are familiar with the patient should take note of any behavioral abnormalities, including personality changes, lack of coordination, and other changes in behavior.
Mild head injuries are especially common among people who play sports, although they can be incurred under a wide variety of circumstances. If a head injury results in unconsciousness that lasts more than 30 minutes, prolonged amnesia, or confusion that persists beyond the original timeframe of the injury, it is likely that the injury is more severe than mild. It is important to be aware that brain injury is an ongoing process, not a single event. Symptoms of serious damage can occur more than 24 hours after an initial mild head injury.
When someone experiences any sort of head injury, even if it appears to be mild and the head was protected by a safety device such as a helmet, it is important to monitor that person for signs of a brain injury. It is also advisable to seek medical attention. A neurologist can perform a full assessment to determine whether or not the brain was injured and to establish a baseline for future examinations. Prompt treatment is critical for preventing permanent damage to the brain after a mild head injury.