Which statement best describes an open head injury?

An open head injury is characterized by the exposure of brain tissue, which often results from a fracture of the skull that allows the external environment to come into contact with the brain. This condition represents a serious medical concern because it can lead to infection, increased risk of hemorrhage, and significant neurological damage. When the brain tissue is exposed, the protective barriers provided by the skull and skin are compromised, necessitating prompt and thorough medical attention.

In contrast, other statements describe different scenarios related to head injuries. The intact skull with damaged brain (where the brain isn't exposed) indicates a closed head injury. A concussion involves a mild form of traumatic brain injury that typically doesn't damage brain structure or expose brain tissue, and occurrences without external trauma generally do not describe an open injury as these injuries typically involve some level of impact that breaches the protective barriers.