brain injury basics

Actress' death a tragic reminder that a blow to the head cannot be dismissed

And he said a helmet wouldn't have helped Richardson if, for example, her vein tore from being stretched as she fell or her brain hit her skull suddenly when she hit the ground. Still, he wouldn't discourage skiers from wearing one, as long as they don't believe it makes them invincible. And they should seek medical attention when they need it.

"The problem is, everybody bumps their head, and we don't all need to go to the emergency room for CT scans," he said. "That being said, everyone should be aware if you get struck on the head and it's a moderate blow, [and] there's pain that gets worse, even a little bit, that's a clue to stop what you're doing and get to the hospital."

EPIDURAL HEMATOMA

This is when there is bleeding between the skull and the outer layer that protects the brain, or the dura. The blood pools and clots and puts pressure on the brain. The skull prevents the brain from expanding, so if the pressure is not relieved, it eventually pushes down on the brain stem enough to shut down vital neurological functions housed there, including heartbeat and respiration, and death occurs.