Also called: Head Trauma A head injury is any physical harm to the scalp, skull, or brain. More to Know Head injuries are very common and usually not serious. They can be external or internal: External head injuries are injuries to the scalp. These injuries often look serious because the scalp has many blood vessels that can bleed, sometimes causing a big lump (or "goose egg") that can take days or weeks to disappear. Applying an ice pack or instant cold pack (wrapped in a washcloth or towel) to the injured area for up to 20 minutes every 3-4 hours for the first 1-2 days can help ease swelling. Internal head injuries may involve the skull, blood vessels inside the skull, or the brain itself. A concussion is a type of internal head injury. In a concussion, a person temporarily loses brain function. Someone may have a concussion even when there's no obvious wound or unconsciousness. After a concussion, the brain needs time to heal. Recovery time will depend on how long the symptoms last. It's very important to wait until all symptoms have ended before resuming normal activities. Keep in Mind Safety precautions can prevent head injuries. Kids and adults should wear helmets, safety gear, and seatbelts whenever appropriate. All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts. Back to Articles Related Articles Abusive Head Trauma (Shaken Baby Syndrome) Abusive head trauma is the leading cause of death in child abuse cases in the United States. It happens when someone shakes an infant. Read More Brain and Nervous System The brain controls everything we do, and is often likened to the central computer within a vast, complicated communication network, working at lightning speed. Read More Brain and Nervous System If the brain is a central computer that controls all the functions of the body, then the nervous system is like a network that relays messages back and forth to different parts of the body. Find out how they work in this Body Basics article. Read More CAT Scan: Head A head CAT scan is a painless test that uses a special X-ray machine to take pictures of a patient's brain, skull, and sinuses, as well as blood vessels in the head. It might be done to check for any number of conditions. Read More Concussions Concussions are serious injuries that can be even more serious if kids don't get the time and rest needed to heal them completely. Read More Concussions In a concussion, the brain shifts inside the skull. This can cause a sudden - but usually temporary - disruption in a person's ability to function properly and feel well. Here's what to do if you suspect a concussion. Read More Head Injuries Head injuries can be external or internal. Learn more about both kinds, how to prevent them, and what to do if your child is injured. Read More First Aid: Head Injuries Learn about the different types of head injuries, and find out what to do if your child is seriously injuried. Read More Sports and Exercise Safety Playing hard doesn't have to mean getting hurt. The best way to ensure a long and injury-free athletic career is to play it safe from the start. Find out how. Read More A to Z: Contusion (Bruise), Face, Scalp, & Neck Learn about contusions (bruises) of the face, scalp, and neck. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.