Head Trauma - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide

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