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Head injuries can be internal (affecting the brain or skull) or external (involving the scalp). They are considered open if the skull is broken and closed if it remains intact. Most head injuries should be evaluated by a doctor.
Dignity Health doctors and nurses are equipped to triage all types of emergencies and trained to provide a full range of care.
Head injuries are usually caused by trauma. They can be the result of a fall, assault, car accident, and accidents during sports, work, or other activities.
Symptoms of head injury depend on the specific injury. If swelling occurs, it may appear as a knot on the scalp. Injuries to the scalp may bleed profusely, due to the large number of blood vessels close to the skin.
Internal head injuries don’t always cause symptoms right away, so it’s not always possible to know if they are serious without seeing a doctor. Symptoms of an internal head injury can include:
Call 9-1-1 or seek immediate emergency care for:
Minor injuries usually heal without medical intervention. However, if you or someone near you has a severe head injury, call 9-1-1 and follow these guidelines:
Help prevent head injuries by wearing a properly sized helmet during sports and always using your seat belt.
Our emergency team is ready to provide trusted, personal care around the clock. Come to our ER in the case of a head injury in the Bay Area.
Dignity Health offers emergency treatment for head injury in San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Redwood City.