Although potentially very dangerous, head injuries in sport are a common occurrence. And, while some can be categorized as mildly annoying, others can be concerning and potentially life-threatening. Here are the five most common types of sports-related head injuries.
Concussion
A brain injury that is believed to happen when our brain hits the walls of our skull, a concussion is a relatively common head injury in contact sports like the NFL or MMA. Although its effects are temporary, repeated concussions can have a long-term effect and even cause CTE.
Hemorrhage
A hemorrhage is an excessive bleeding in the brain that can cause headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Although it doesn’t have to be severe, untreated bleeding in the brain can cause a buildup of pressure over time.
Skull Fracture
One of the most serious types of sports-related head injuries, a skull fracture can make your brain more susceptible to damage. Even though the skull is one of the hardest parts of our skeletal system, it can be fractured with a lot of force, which is common in sports.
Hematoma
A hematoma is a localized swelling in the brain caused by a collection of blood. A hematoma builds up pressure in the brain and can cause loss of consciousness or even permanent brain damage.
Diffuse Axonal Injury
Unlike previous types of injuries, a diffuse axonal injury doesn’t cause bleeding and isn’t as easily visible. It can cause a lot of damage to our brain cells, and it results in swelling, which can lead to permanent brain damage.
Conclusion
So, there you go – the most common types of sports-related head injuries. If you notice nausea, vomiting, and headaches after suffering a brain injury, contact your doctor immediately.
