Head injuries

Although the human brain is a very complex structure, it has a consistency of jelly and is therefore very delicate and vulnerable. Fortunately it is well protected by the hard bone of the skull, durable tissue and the fluid around it. The brain tissue is actually so delicate that it cannot even support its own weight and therefore 'swims' in fluid.

Falling onto your head can have severe consequences. Any force that is put onto the skull may have a potential to cause serious brain injury. In the case of a fractured skull, broken bone can push into the brain and damage the brain tissue. However, even if the skull is not fractured the impact of a fall can cause the brain to hit against the interior of the skull. When the head suddenly stops moving - e.g. when the person has hit the ground - the brain continues its movement striking the interior of the skull. This can cause tearing of the blood vessels and can lead to bleeding (haemorrhage).