Overview
- Head trauma is an injury that affects the brain / skull
- Injuries range from minor to serious
- Head injury may be 'closed' or 'penetrating'
- 'Closed'-when head hits against a blunt object
- These injuries lead to concussion
- 'Penetrating' - an object penetrates skull and enters brain
Causes
- Road traffic accidents
- Accidents at home / work
- Assault
- Fall
- Sports
Symptoms
- Loss of consciousness - for short or long duration
- Bleeding
- Vomiting
- Fluid discharge from nose
- Loss of hearing, vision, taste, smell
- Speech-related problems
- Irregular heart beat
- Seizures
- Paralysis
- Coma
- Change in personality
- Mental health-related problems
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Treatment
For mild injury-
- Apply ice to injured area to minimize swelling
- The size of the bump is not related to the severity of injury
- Observe the patient carefully for signs of bleeding
For moderate to severe injury-
- Check the patient's breathing pattern
- If necessary do Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- In case of bleeding, press area with a clean cloth
- If the cloth soaks, place a fresh cloth over the first one
- Do not remove debris from the wound
- If person is vomiting turn on the side and lower the head
- To minimize spine injury - hold head, neck and body in one line
- Immobilize the patient
- If unconscious, treat it like a spinal injury
- Keep the head in alignment with spine
- Get immediate medical help
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Consult a Doctor
- When the following occur seek medical help-
- Bleeding
- Fluid discharge from nose, mouth, ears
- Vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion / Restlessness / Irritability
- Slurred speech / Convulsion
- Blurred Vision
- Low breathing
- Low blood pressure / Severe headache
- Fracture / Stiff neck
- Loss of sensory abilities
- Inability to move one or more limbs
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Steps to Avoid
- Avoid shaking or moving a person who has head injuries
- Avoid washing the wound or removing debris
- Do not remove helmet in case of head injury
- Do not consume alcohol immediately after a head injury
- Do not pick up a fallen child with head injury
Prevention
- Do not indulge in drunken driving
- Practice safe methods while driving / sporting / other activities
- Always follow safety rules
- Supervise the activities of children
