Fact Checked
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
- 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