A strong impact to the head should never be dismissed as “just a bump.” If the brain itself is damaged or if bleeding (hematoma) occurs between the membranes covering the brain, it can escalate into a life-threatening situation.
This article explains the major diagnoses resulting from head trauma, categorized into “Direct Damage to Brain Tissue”and “Bleeding Between the Brain Membranes.” We also cover critical warning signs and why immediate medical attention is necessary—especially for conditions like Chronic Subdural Hematoma, where symptoms may not appear until weeks or even months after the initial injury.
Major Diagnoses Resulting from Head Trauma
1. Direct Damage to Brain Tissue
| Diagnosis | Overview | Additional Notes |
| Cerebral Contusion | A “bruise” on the brain tissue itself where cells are damaged or bleeding occurs due to impact. | Can occur directly under the site of impact (Coup injury) or on the opposite side of the brain (Contrecoup injury). |
| Contusional Intracerebral Hematoma | A condition where blood collects (forms a clot) within the brain tissue due to a contusion. | Also called Traumatic Intracerebral Hematoma. Emergency surgery may be required depending on the size of the clot. |
| Concussion | A temporary decline in brain function without structural damage (like bruising) to the brain. | Often shows no abnormalities on CT or MRI scans, yet can cause loss of consciousness or memory loss. |
2. Bleeding Between the Brain Membranes (Traumatic Intracranial Hematoma)
These conditions involve bleeding between the skull and the brain (within the dura mater or arachnoid mater), where a hematoma puts pressure on the brain.
| Diagnosis | Location of Bleeding | Typical Onset |
| Acute Epidural Hematoma | Between the skull and the dura mater. | Within a few hours post-injury (Relatively fast). |
| Acute Subdural Hematoma | Between the dura mater and the brain. | Within a few hours post-injury (Relatively fast). |
| Chronic Subdural Hematoma | Between the dura mater and the brain. | Weeks to months post-injury (Delayed onset). |
| Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage | Beneath the arachnoid mater (surface of the brain). | Occurs at the time of injury. |
In addition to these, a severe impact may cause Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)—where nerve fibers throughout a wide area of the brain are damaged—or skull fractures.
Summary
If you receive a strong blow to the head, it is crucial to visit a medical facility (specifically Neurosurgery) immediately for proper testing (CT or MRI), even if you have no immediate symptoms. Some conditions are “silent” and only manifest much later.
