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A Head Injury on the Job

When you get a head injury at work, no matter how minor, you must report it to your employer. What may look like a simple cut or a small bout of dizziness can later lead to more significant issues. A head injury is an injury to the scalp, skull, and head. You should always seek medical treatment as soon as possible. But, to truly understand what a head injury is, let’s break it down. There are two classifications of brain injuries:

• Focal: A visible injury in one location as a result of a direct force/impact. This injury will have open wounds or penetration of the skull. The injuries include bleeding in the brain (e.g., subdural hematoma) and bruising of the brain (e.g., cerebral contusion).
• Diffuse: A non-visible injury in multiple locations resulting from the head being rocked (as in a car accident). These injuries include damage to blood vessels, swelling of the brain, and widespread damage to the white matter. It can lead to coma or death.

Types of Brain Injuries

• Concussion: This injury is caused by a direct force to the head, such as being hit with an object or a fall. The person experiences dizziness and confusion, aside from other visible injuries such as penetration of the skull or a bruise.
• Skull Fracture: This injury can lead to other diffuse injuries and different types of skull fractures. This injury can happen from a fall or a hit to the head by a blunt object. Symptoms include bleeding from the nose and ears, swelling near the impact, and facial bruising.
• Internal Bleeding (hematomas): This is connected to diffuse injuries and traumatic brain injuries. It is caused by damage to the blood vessel wall. There are different types of hematomas, and the treatments vary from rest to surgery.
• Bruising of the Brain (cerebral contusion): When the head gets hit hard enough, it can bruise, just like getting a bruise on any body part.