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High-energy head injuries

High-energy injuries to the head occur when the head hits against another object with great force or pressure. This type of injury puts a person at increased risk for a brain injury, even when there is no visible external bleeding or other obvious sign of injury.

High-energy injuries to the head can occur in a variety of ways, including:

  • Falls in which the head strikes an object with significant force. A fall from a height of 4ft may be enough to cause an injury.
  • Motor vehicle accidents in which the head strikes and cracks or breaks the windshield or dents the inside of the vehicle.
  • Sports injuries, such as striking the head after falling from a fast-moving bicycle.
  • Direct blows to the head with a hard object, such as a fist or a baseball bat swung with significant force.

Injuries to the neck or face are more likely to occur with a high-energy head injury.

Author Jeannette Curtis
Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Last Updated May 25, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 25, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.