Overview
Start here for the fundamentals: what counts as a head injury, the main ways head injuries are classified, and how clinicians describe severity. MedlinePlus defines a head injury as any trauma to the scalp, skull or brain.[1]
- What is a head injury?Definition, parts of the head involved and common causes
- Types of head injuriesClosed vs. open, focal vs. diffuse, primary vs. secondary
- Mild, moderate and severeHow severity is classified, including the Glasgow Coma Scale
- Head injuries by areaBrain, skull, scalp, face, eyes, ears, jaw and teeth
This page provides general information from the sources listed below. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider. In an emergency, call 911.
Sources
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. “Head injury – first aid.” https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000028.htm
Sources last checked: October 11, 2026
