Head Trauma

 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

   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

   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

   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