Head injuries can be open or closed and may involve fracture and brain damage. Which statement is true?

• A. They occur only in adults.
• B. They are never serious.
• C. Head injuries can be open or closed and may involve fracture and brain damage.
• D. They always require surgery.

Answer: (C)

Head injuries come in different forms and can have a wide range of consequences. They can be open (the skull or scalp is breached, as in penetrating trauma) or closed (the skull isn’t penetrated, even though the brain can still be injured). These injuries may involve a skull fracture and can also damage brain tissue, depending on the force and location of impact. Because of this variability, some head injuries are mild and require little beyond observation, while others are life-threatening and need urgent care—and not all of them require surgery. Head injuries can occur in children as well as adults. The statement that best reflects this reality is that head injuries can be open or closed and may involve fracture and brain damage. The other options misstate who can be affected, the seriousness, or the need for surgery.