Head Injuries

 

Head Injuries

These injuries are very dangerous. They can lead to permanent disability, mental impairment, and even death. Head iinjuries are caused by falls, road accidents, sporting accidents, or working in high risk proffesion. They can result in skull fractures, scalp wounds, concussion, brain injury/brain damage, and should always receive urgent medical attention. 

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Head Injury?

  • Confusion
  • Depression
  • Dizziness or balance problems
  • Double or fuzzy vision
  • Feeling foggy or groggy
  • Feeling sluggish or tired
  • Headache
  • Memory loss
  • Nausea
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Trouble remembering

 

!First aid for head injury!
In cases where there is a serious head injury, always call an ambulance. 

 

Skull Fracture

The person should not be moved unless they are in immediate danger. Any unnecessary movement may cause big complications to the head injury itself, the spine or other associated injuries. A good rule is that if the head is injured, the neck may be injured too.

Treatment

If breathing and heartbeat stop, begin the A-B-C of resuscitation immediately.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. If any discharge issues from the ear, incline to
wards the injured side and cover with a sterile dressing - DO NOT PLUG.

2. If the sufferer is unconscious, place him in the recovery position with the injured side down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. If the sufferer is conscious, place him in a half sitting position, with head and shoulders supported. If you suspect spinal injury, keep the casualty's head and trunk aligned at all times. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Check breathing and pulse every ten minutes.

5. Treat for shock.

6. Send for medical assistance and remove to hospital.

                      &                         
 

Concussion

The brain is free to move a little within the skull, and can thus be 'shaken' by a blow to the head. This shaking is called concussion. It may involve unconsciousness and, occasionally, loss of memory.

Treatment

1. Check the person's level of response using the AVPU code:

A- is the person alert, eyes open and responding to questions?

V- does the person respond to voice, obey simple commands?

P- does the person respond to pain (eg, eyes open or movement in response to being pinched)?

U- is the person unresponsive?

2. Regularly monitor and record vital signs - level of response, breathing and pulse. Even if the person looks like recovery fully, watch them for any deterioration in their level of response.

3. When the person has recovered, place them in the care of a responsible person. If a person has been injured on the sports field, never allow them to play again without first obtaining medical advice.

4. Take the person to the hospital if they develop symptoms such as headache, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness or double vision

 

Cerebral Compression

Any head injury may burst a blood vessel in the brain. This causes pressure to be exerted on the brain by blood accumulating within the skull. Compression may develop up to twenty-four hours after the casualty has apparently recovered.

With compression, the pupils of the eyes may be of differing sizes, there will be a diminished pulse rate and a deteriorating level of consciousness, an intense headache, noisy breathing, paralysis, raised temperature.

Treatment

1. The casualty should be removed to hospital immediately.This condition requires urgent medical treatment.

2. If the person is conscious:

3. Keep them supported in a comfortable resting position and calm the person down.

4. Regularly monitor and record vital signs - level of response, pulse, and breathing - until medical help arrives.

5. If the person is unconscious:

  • Open the airway using the jaw thrust method and check breathing.
  • Be prepared to give chest compressions and rescue breaths if necessary.

6. If the person is breathing, try to maintain the airway in the position the person was found.

 

DO NOT

Do NOT wash a head wound that is deep or bleeding a lot.

Do NOT remove any object sticking out of a wound.

Do NOT move the person unless absolutely necessary.

Do NOT shake the person if he or she seems dazed.

Do NOT remove a helmet if you suspect a serious head injury.

Do NOT pick up a fallen child with any sign of head injury.

Do NOT drink alcohol within 48 hours of a serious head injury.

 

Head Injuries in Children

Most head injuries in children are minor. Lacerations bleed freely and seem to be worse than they are. A fall of more than 3 ft. onto a hard surface is a serious matter. It is very common for children who sustain head injuries, to go pale and vomit immediately and subsequently to be sleepy. This should not cause undue alarm. If in doubt, call an Ambulance.

1. Swelling of the skull on either sides of the head, just above the ears, should be taken seriously and needs medical attention.

2. The single most important factor after head injury is progressive drowsiness.

The type to watch out for is that which comes on following a period of lucidity after a head injury and is progressive. This requires immediate, urgent medical attention.