Injury or Poisoning
craniocerebral trauma
[ krey-nee-oh-suh-ree-bruhl, -ser-uh- trou-muh, traw- ]
Subclass of:
Trauma, Nervous System
Also called:
Cranial injuries; Skull fractures; Skull injuries
Definitions related to craniocerebral trauma:
-
(head injury) A traumatic injury to the head.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
-
(head injuries) Chances are you've bumped your head before. Often, the injury is minor because your skull is hard and it protects your brain. But other head injuries can be more severe, such as a skull fracture, concussion, or traumatic brain injury. Head injuries can be open or closed. A closed injury does not break through the skull. With an open, or penetrating, injury, an object pierces the skull and enters the brain. Closed injuries are not always less severe than open injuries. Some common causes of head injuries are falls, motor vehicle accidents, violence, and sports injuries. It is important to know the warning signs of a moderate or severe head injury. Get help immediately if the injured person has A headache that gets worse or does not go away; Repeated vomiting or nausea; Convulsions or seizures; An inability to wake up; Dilated (enlarged) pupil in one or both eyes; Slurred speech; Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs; Loss of coordination; Increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation. Doctors use a neurologic exam and imaging tests to make a diagnosis. Treatment depends on the type of injury and how severe it is. NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokeMedlinePlusU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
-
Traumatic injuries involving the cranium and intracranial structures (i.e., BRAIN; CRANIAL NERVES; MENINGES; and other structures). Injuries may be classified by whether or not the skull is penetrated (i.e., penetrating vs. nonpenetrating) or whether there is an associated hemorrhage.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
-
Head injuries that involve the brain are particularly concerning. Common causes of head injuries include falls, motor vehicle crashes, assaults, and mishaps during sports and recreational activities.Merck & Co., Inc., 2020
-
Head injury can be defined as any alteration in mental or physical functioning related to a blow to the head. Loss of consciousness does not need to occur.WebMD, 2019
Return to OpenMD Medical Dictionary
> C
This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.