A blow to the head may exhibit all of the following signs except

• A. Unusual breath odor
• B. Vomiting
• C. Confusion
• D. Drowsiness

Answer: (A)

A blow to the head can affect brain function, so watch for changes in alertness and thinking. Vomiting is a common red flag after head injury because it can signal a concussion or increasing pressure inside the skull. Confusion shows the brain’s ability to process information is disrupted, which is a serious sign to take seriously. Drowsiness indicates a lowered level of consciousness, another important reason to seek evaluation. Unusual breath odor is not a typical consequence of a head injury; breath odor points to other conditions and isn’t used to assess brain trauma. If any of these concerning signs appear, or vomiting recurs, seek medical care promptly.