Treatment options for a head injury depend on the severity of the injury. External head injuries may require first aid only. Even minor external head injuries can bleed profusely, so it is important to stop the bleeding as soon as possible. Firm yet gentle pressure should be applied to the wound with a clean cloth, tissue or bandage. Using a finger or hand, pressure should be continuously placed on the injury for 10 to 15 minutes. The cloth or bandage should not be lifted during this time because it will damage the blood clot that is forming in the wound and cause the bleeding to begin again. In cases of severe external head injuries, the patient should be taken to an emergency room for immediate medical assistance.

Internal head injuries may require further treatment. If the head injury is an open or penetrating injury, the patient will first undergo surgery to close the wound and remove any debris that may be lodged in the brain. Surgery may also be an option if the head injury has caused a large contusion (bruising of the brain) or hematoma (bleeding in the brain). Surgery is required in almost half of all severe head injuries, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Following surgery, patients may be admitted to an intensive care ward where they can be monitored closely for signs of possible complications.

Almost all severe internal head injuries require some form of rehabilitation. In some cases, the head injury may have damaged parts of the brain that control speech, movement and behavior, so patients may need treatment that is specific to these problems. This may include speech therapy or physical therapy. The goal of rehabilitation is to enable the patient to function as well as possible in the home and in society. Rehabilitation programs are usually tailored to meet the requirements and constraints of the patient. They can take place in a hospital, a specialized rehabilitation facility, community center or the patient’s home.

It is common for patients with severe head injury to experience personality changes as a result of the injury. This may require psychotherapy and, in some cases, medication to manage psychiatric problems. It is important that physicians are aware of the patient’s head injury before prescribing medication because side effects are often more severe in people who have sustained head injuries.