Head Trauma - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide

Written by Dr. Reeja Tharu | Medically Reviewed by Dr. Sunil Shroff on Sep 20, 2012

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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

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paul789, United States

I work in a nursing home. A patient recently fell [not witnessed] and he was found unconscious lying face down with blood coming out of his ear. 911 was called immediately. Should the patient be moved onto his back to assess breathing and airway before 911 arrives or should he be left lying prone? I LOOK forward to your answer. Thanks

Dr.khatake, India

in case of head injury when seizurs occurs/in seizurs give him left lateral position,so we can avoid aspiration of contents...from Dr.sachin khatake solapur,maharashtra,india

tafunga, Zimbabwe

Lets say a motor cyclist putting on a helmet is involved in a motor vehicle accident, and you do not remove the helmet, how are you going to assess the injury? Also won't it be difficult to put a cervical collar and be uncomfortable for the patient.

Hoping to hear your advise soon.

Head Trauma - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide

Head Trauma - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide

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