Unusual manifestations of head trauma

Head injury is the leading cause of death in young adults. More than 2 million head injuries occur each year in the United States. Accurate and rapid diagnosis is imperative for the successful management of the trauma patient. The radiologic findings of common manifestations of head trauma have been well described; however, the patient who presents in the post-traumatic period with atypical radiographic findings is at risk for misdiagnosis and delay in treatment. In this essay, we illustrate some unusual findings in head injury that may complicate diagnosis.