What term is used for a closed head injury that does not involve a break in the skin and does not show obvious bleeding?

The term for a closed head injury that does not involve a break in the skin and does not show obvious bleeding is "closed head injury." This designation encompasses various types of injuries sustained to the brain as a result of an impact, which do not penetrate the skull or disrupt the overlying tissues.

Understanding the nuances of a closed head injury helps differentiate it from more specific conditions: a brain contusion refers to bruising of the brain tissue itself, often visible on imaging studies, while an intracranial hematoma involves blood accumulating within the skull, which could lead to serious complications. A concussion is a type of closed head injury but specifically describes a transient disruption of brain function, typically with symptoms such as confusion or loss of consciousness, without necessarily indicating structural damage. The broader term "closed head injury" encapsulates the nature of the injury without implying the presence of swelling, bleeding, or bruising, which makes it the most accurate choice here.