Here’s the difference between a head or brain injury

Head or brain injuries may be as mild as concussion or as debilitating as severe brain injuries.

According to Dr Robyn Holgate, ER24’s Chief Medical Officer, the difference between brain injury and head injury is really a matter of semantics, and the terms are relatively interchangeable in medicine. However, not all injuries to the head will result in injuries to the brain.

“Head injury is a broader category that may involve damage to other structures such as the scalp and skull. Brain injuries can result in physical, cognitive and behavioural symptoms, and the outcome can range from complete recovery to permanent disability or death. The injuries may be minor, moderate or severe,” said Robyn.

Robyn explained how whiplash can cause brain damage. Whiplash is widely regarded as a soft tissue injury of the neck, with symptoms such as neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, visual symptoms, and weakness.

“Patients suffering from whiplash are at an increased risk of experiencing concurrent brain injury which can occur with or without a direct impact to the head. The symptoms are very similar; thus any patient experiencing these symptoms following a sudden and violent movement to the head should seek medical attention.”

Loss of consciousness is one of the symptoms which may present if a person has a head injury.

“There may be other symptoms, such as a headache that gets worse and does not go away, weakness, numbness or decreased coordination, repeated vomiting or nausea and slurred speech. Brain injury often presents with symptoms related to the functions of the damaged focal area.”

Robyn also explained the importance of giving the brain time for relief after experiencing injury or even a mild concussion, as the brain is very sensitive.

“ Even after symptoms resolve entirely, people should gradually return to their daily activities. Brain functionality may still be limited despite an absence of outward symptoms.

How to recognise a head injury:

• Loss of consciousness

• Convulsions or seizures

• Repeated vomiting

• Slurred speech

• Weakness or numbness in the arms, legs, hands, or feet

• Agitation

• Loss of coordination

• Dilated pupils

• Inability to wake up from sleep

• Severe headaches