What Can Cause Hyperventilation?

Head Trauma

Head trauma refers to any injury to the head caused by a force outside of the body. For example, head injuries often occur after a patient's head is hit by a falling object, participating in sports, or as a result of a car accident. Symptoms of a head injury, besides hyperventilation, include trouble speaking, dizziness, confusion, sensitivity to light or sound, and dilated or unequal pupils. Patients experiencing any of these symptoms should seek emergency medical attention. Doctors will order brain scans to determine the extent of any damage and possible treatment options. Depending on the cause of the head trauma, patients may need to have emergency surgery to remove foreign objects or lower the pressure inside the brain. Some types of head trauma, including concussions, may be treated with simple observation. Patients who have experienced head trauma will likely be cared for by a specialist neurology team, and they may need both physical and occupational therapy to rebuild skills. Recovery can be a slow process that may take years, and some patients may need to spend time in a rehabilitation facility.

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