Peavigastusi

Peavigastusi (Estonian for head injuries) refer to injuries to the head resulting from external mechanical force. They can involve the scalp, skull, and/or brain and range from minor injuries to life‑threatening conditions.

Types of peavigastusi include concussions (mild traumatic brain injury), contusions (brain bruising), skull fractures, and intracranial hemorrhages such as subdural or epidural hematomas. Diffuse axonal injury may occur with severe trauma. The severity is largely determined by the mechanism of injury, the extent of brain involvement, and the presence of other injuries.

Common causes are falls, vehicle crashes, contact and collision sports, and assaults. Risk factors include advanced age, anticoagulant use, alcohol or drug impairment, and preexisting brain or medical conditions.

Symptoms vary with severity and location. They can include headache, confusion, amnesia around the event, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. Red flags requiring urgent evaluation include repeated vomiting, severe or worsening headache, weakness or numbness, slurred speech, neck stiffness, seizures, decreasing level of alertness, or unequal pupil size.

Diagnosis combines clinical assessment with imaging. A neurological examination and the Glasgow Coma Scale help gauge impairment. CT scans are commonly used in the acute setting to detect bleeding or skull fracture; MRI may be more sensitive for certain injuries or follow-up.

Management begins with safety and monitoring. Mild peavigastusi may involve rest and a gradual return to daily activities with medical clearance, while moderate to severe cases often require hospital observation, neurosurgical consultation, and treatment of complications such as intracranial bleeding or swelling. Rehabilitation and return‑to‑activity planning are important for recovery.

Prevention focuses on safety measures such as wearing helmets during high‑risk activities, seat belts in vehicles, fall prevention strategies for the elderly, and adherence to sports safety rules.