The result of a trauma to the head can range from a minor bump on the skull to a devastating brain injury. Injuries to the head are so common that almost everyone will sustain some form of trauma to the head at some point during their lifetime. Some head injuries can result in serious and prolonged brain damage. The signs and symptoms of a head injury may occur immediately or develop slowly over several hours. Learning to recognize serious head injury and obtaining proper medical care can often make the difference in saving a life.