Fact Checked
Overview – What Is Head Trauma?
- Head trauma is damage which has a severe impact on the brain or skull.
- Head injuries can go from minor to serious.
- Head injury can be either ‘closed’ or ‘penetrating’.
- Closed injuries occur when the head strikes against a blunt object.
- These type of injuries result in concussions.
- Penetrating injuries occurs when an item penetrates the skull and pierces the brain.
What Are The Causes Of Head Trauma?
- Accidents which occur while on the road.
- Accidents that occur at home or while at work.
- Physical attack or a blow against the head.
- Trauma from falling and hitting your head.
- Sport-related head trauma.
What Are The Symptoms Of Head Trauma?
- Losing consciousness (short or long term);
- Blood loss;
- Nausea;
- Liquid discharge from the nose;
- Loss of vision or hearing;
- Problems with speech;
- Heartbeat may be irregular;
- Convulsions;
Head injuries can go from minor to serious - Paralysis;
- Blackout;
- Change in behavior; and
- Psychological related problems.
Treatment For Head Trauma
For a minor head injury:
- Apply ice to the injured region to reduce inflammation.
- The extent of the knock is not connected to the severity of the injury.
- Monitor the casualty cautiously for signs of bleeding.
For modest to severe injury:
- Examine the casualty’s breathing pattern.
- If required do CPR.
- In case of bleeding, compress the area with a clean cloth.
- If the cloth becomes soaked, place a fresh cloth over the initial one.
- Do not get rid of any fragments from the wound.
- If the casualty is vomiting, move them onto their side and lower the head.
- To reduce spinal damage – hold the head, collar and body in a single line.
- Restrain the casualty.
- If the casualty is unconscious, manage it as if it were a spinal injury.
- Keep the head in alliance with the spine.
- Get medical assistance.
Consult With Your Doctor
When the following takes place get medical help-
- Blood loss;
- Liquid discharge from the mouth, nose or ears;
- Nausea;
- Loss of consciousness;
- Confusion / Agitation / Irritability;
- Unclear speech / Seizure;
- Blurry Vision;
- Low breathing;
- Severe headache;
- Fracture; and
- Unable to move one or more body parts.
Steps to Avoid
- Avoid shaking or moving an individual who has sustained head injuries.
- Don’t rinse the wound or get rid of debris.
- If the casualty was wearing a helmet, don’t remove it.
- Do not drink alcohol directly after a head injury.
Prevention For Head Injuries
- Do not drink and drive.
- Apply safe procedures while driving, doing sporting or other activities.
- Always follow safety procedures.
- Always administer the activities of your kids.