Hit Your Head? Here’s Why You Should Get It Checked Immediately

When British actor Natasha Richardson fell and hit her head during a beginner’s skiing lesson in Quebec, Canada in 2009, she didn’t initially consider the incident serious. Despite refusing medical attention twice, she eventually sought help when she developed a headache and other alarming symptoms. Unfortunately, by the time she was transported to a hospital in Montreal and placed in the intensive care unit, she was pronounced brain dead. Her husband, fellow actor Liam Neeson, flew her home to New York to be with family and friends during her final moments.

Like Richardson, many of us might dismiss a trip to the hospital after hitting our head in a fall or being struck by a hard object. However, head injuries can be deceivingly serious. “When we injure our arm or leg, we can see it through a bruise, wound, bump, or fracture,” says Cymbeline B. Perez-Santiago, MD, Chief of the Section of Neurology at Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed), one of the Philippines' top hospitals. “But traumatic brain injury (TBI), or a sudden external force strong enough to move the brain within the skull, isn’t always visible.”

TBI can vary from a mild, temporary condition to more severe and life-threatening issues. “A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that leaves you feeling dazed, with a headache, neck pain, or changes in vision,” explains Dr. Perez-Santiago. “A contusion refers to bleeding in the brain tissue, akin to a bruise. A skull fracture means the skull bone is cracked, and the sharp broken bones could cut into the brain or an artery, causing blood to pool and press against the brain.”

This pooling of blood, known as a hematoma, can occur instantly upon impact or develop over several days or even weeks. Active bleeding can exert pressure on the brain, posing a risk of brain damage or death. “This puts you at risk for potential brain damage and even death,” adds Dr. Perez-Santiago.

MakatiMed advises that no head injury is too minor to consult a specialist. “Because some damage caused by a head injury can develop over time, it’s still recommended that you see your doctor within a week of the accident. That way, they can request follow-up imaging tests, check for new symptoms, or assess whether existing symptoms have worsened or improved,” highlights Dr. Perez-Santiago.

For minor head injuries, Dr. Perez-Santiago suggests: “Sit or lie comfortably with the head slightly elevated. Apply an ice pack to the injured site, and clean any surface wound with water and a wound disinfectant. Provide an over-the-counter pain reliever for headaches.” It’s not necessary to keep the person with the head injury awake at all times, but ensure they can be gently woken and respond normally.

However, more serious head injury symptoms require immediate medical attention. “Vomiting, persistent headaches and dizziness, double vision, confusion, memory loss, difficulty staying awake, balance problems, trouble hearing and speaking, and pain that doesn’t subside even after taking a pain reliever are signs of a serious injury,” Dr. Perez-Santiago advises. “Time is of the essence. Go to the nearest emergency room immediately.”

Symptoms that appear days or weeks after the incident also necessitate a doctor's visit. “Persistent headaches and nausea, memory and balance issues, one-sided weakness, disorientation, contusions, and increased drowsiness are red flags indicating complications,” asserts Dr. Perez-Santiago.

“In conclusion, after any head injury, it’s best to see a neurologist who can assess your condition and prevent any potential problems from what might seem like a minor accident,” reminds Dr. Perez-Santiago.

The tragic case of Natasha Richardson underscores the importance of taking head injuries seriously, as what appears minor can quickly escalate into a life-threatening condition. It serves as a poignant reminder to seek medical attention promptly, even if the injury seems insignificant initially.