Seemingly minor head injuries can turn critical

Head injuries are the focus of many conversations, with Bob Saget’s family announcing the cause of the late actor and comedian’s death as accidental head trauma.

Dr. Randall Chesnut, the director of neurotrauma at Harborview Medical Center, says the severity of a brain injury often doesn’t match what’s visible on the outside of someone’s head.

“A head injury is not necessarily dramatic,” he said. “If you're not behaving right, then take it seriously and get it evaluated.”

Subtle symptoms that might indicate a brain injury include an increasing headache, dizziness, unsteadiness on your feet, seeing double, or decreased awareness. Any of these symptoms merits seeking medical attention, he said. 

“You can have a head injury that just seems like a bump on the head, and that can have severe consequences,” said Chesnut.

Learn more about traumatic brain injuries here.