How Trauma to The Head Can Cause Cranial Injuries

About twelve cranial nerves run over the surface of the skull to various parts of the head providing sensation, and controlling facial movement. However, these nerves are vulnerable to various injuries since they are only protected by facial tissues and muscles.

Functions of The Cranial Nerve

About twelve cranial nerves are connecting the brain to different body parts including the head, neck, and trunk. These nerves are named after their structure or function, that is sensory or motor, with a corresponding roman number between I and XII based on their position from front to back. Sensory cranial nerves determine one’s ability to touch, hear, and smell, while motor nerves control muscle movement.

Some of the various facial functions of the cranial nerves include:

  • Moving the eyes
  • Chewing
  • Smiling

Head Trauma and Cranial Injury

Trauma to the scalp, skull, and brain due to violence, sports, falls, accidents among others constitute head injuries. A penetrative injury where the skull fractures or an object pierces through the skull is called an open injury.

In contrast, closed injuries do not break through the skull. However, though open or closed, head injuries can be fatal or lead to permanent disability, or mental impairment.

The cranial nerve is often the most affected in case of head trauma. As a result, one’s sense of smell, taste, and expression may be affected.

Symptoms of Head Injury

The symptoms of cranial injury can be sensory, cognitive, or physical and include:

  • Headache
  • Drowsiness
  • Coma
  • Paralysis
  • Ringing ears
  • Blurred vision
  • Memory loss
  • Seizures

In case of a cranial injury, it is important to seek urgent medical care to determine the extent of damage to the nerve. If you have observed these symptoms and recently had an injury to your head, you should consult with a specialized doctor soon for diagnosis. Today, there are a variety of centers offering 24/ hour emergency care.

All you need to do is simply research about the neurosurgeons and neurologists offering emergency assessments near you. Simply lookup for any “available emergency room near me, or a recommended er near me.” Immediate medical intervention can prevent head injuries from escalating into a serious problem such as paralysis or dysfunction.




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