How To Treat A Head Trauma

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Overview Of A Head Trauma

  • Head trauma is a wound that disturbs the skull and/or the brain.
  • Injuries sustained to the head can be minor or very severe.
  • Injuries to the head can be classified as either ‘closed’ or ‘penetrating’.
  • Closed’ injuries – when the head smashes against a blunt item.
  • Closed injuries often result in a concussion.
  • ‘Penetrating’ injuries – an item infiltrates the skull and goes through the brain.

Causes Of Head Traumas

Head trauma is a wound that distresses the skull and/or the brain
Head trauma is a wound that distresses the skull and/or the brain
  • Accidents that occur on the road.
  • Work-related accidents.
  • Injuries that occur due to an assault.
  • Head traumas from falling.
  • Sport-related injuries.

Symptoms Of Head Traumas

  • Losing consciousness;
  • Blood loss;
  • Queasiness;
  • Nose starts running or a discharge of fluid;
  • Hearing problems, blurry vision, taste and smell;
  • Problems related to speech;
  • Heart rate appears to be irregular;
  • Convulsions;
  • Casualty can become paralyzed;
  • Head traumas can result in a coma;
  • Personality can start to change; and
  • Psychological issues can start to emerge.

Treatment For A Head Trauma

For slight head traumas:

  • Place ice on the affected area to reduce inflammation.
  • The extent of the accident is not associated to the severity of the injury.
  • Check the casualty cautiously for bleeding.

For moderate to serious head injuries:

  • Look to see if the casualty’s breathing pattern is regular.
  • Start CPR if you notice the casualty is not breathing.
  • If there are signs of blood loss, compress the area with a fresh cloth.
  • If the cloth becomes drenched in blood, place a new cloth over the initial one.
  • Do not get rid of fragments from the wound.
  • If the casualty is throwing up, turn them on their side.
  • To reduce the chances of spinal injury – hold the casualty’s head, neck and body in a straight line.
  • Keep the casualty in one position.
  • If the casualty is unconscious, treat it as if it were a spinal cord injury.
  • Position the head in alliance with the spine.
  • Acquire medical assistance right away.

Phone A Medical Practitioner in the following cases

  • Hemorrhage;
  • Fluid expulsion from the ears, mouth, nose;
  • Queasiness;
  • Loss of perception;
  • Confusion / Agitation / Touchiness;
  • Indistinct speech / Seizure;
  • Hazy vision;
  • Fracture / Firm neck; and
  • Failure to move the limbs.

 Related Video On Head Injuries

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X854-mQL6H4

 

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