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Head injury can be classified as either closed or penetrating. In closed head injury, the head sustains a blunt force by striking against an object. In penetrating head injuries, a high velocity object breaks through the skull and enters the brain. The signs and symptoms of a head injury may occur immediately or develop slowly over several hours.

Review Date: 12/4/2001 12:00:00 AM Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team

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