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Head Injuries
These injuries are caused by falls, road
accidents, sporting accidents, or working in high risk occupations. They can result in
skull fractures, scalp wounds, concussion, brain injury/brain damage, and should always
receive urgent medical attention.
Skull Fracture
It may be seen or indicated, in some cases by blood or fluid from the ear, or the
loss of consciousness, or by a wound or sometimes
there may be no signs.
Treatment:
- If breathing and heartbeat stop, begin the
A-B-C of resuscitation immediately.
- If any discharge issues from the ear,
incline towards the injured side and cover with a sterile dressing - DO NOT PLUG.
- If the casualty is unconscious, place him
in the recovery position with the injured side down.
- If the casualty is conscious, place him in
a half sitting position, with head and shoulders supported. If you suspect spinal injury,
keep the casualty's head and trunk aligned at all times.
- Check breathing and pulse every ten
minutes.
- Treat for shock.
- Send for medical assistance and remove to
hospital.
Concussion
This is a condition of temporary disturbance to the brain after a head injury. It may
involve unconsciousness and, occasionally, loss of memory.
Treatment:
- If breathing and heartbeat stop, begin the
A-B-C of resuscitation immediately.
- If casualty is unconscious, place him in
the recovery position while awaiting removal to
hospital.
- In serious cases, check breathing rate,
and watch carefully for signs of delayed unconsciousness, shock, stroke.
- Treat for shock.
- In all cases, consult a doctor.
- If loss of consciousness is suspected, the
person should be examined at a hospital.
Compression
Any head injury may burst a blood vessel in the brain. This causes pressure to be exerted
on the brain by blood accumulating within the skull. Compression may develop up to
twenty-four hours after the casualty has apparently recovered.
With compression, the pupils of the eyes
may be of differing sizes, there will be a diminished pulse rate and a deteriorating level
of consciousness, an intense headache, noisy breathing, paralysis, raised temperature.
Treatment:
- The casualty should be removed to
hospital immediately.
This condition requires urgent medical treatment.
Head Injuries in Children
Most head injuries in children are minor. Lacerations bleed freely and seem to be worse
than they are. A fall of more than 3 ft. on to a hard surface is a serious matter. It is
very common for children who sustain head injuries, to go pale and vomit immediately and
subsequently to be sleepy. This should not cause undue alarm. If in doubt, call an
Ambulance.
Treatment:
- Swelling of the skull on either sides of
the head, just above the ears, should be taken seriously and needs medical attention.
- The single most important factor after
head injury is progressive drowsiness. The type to watch out for is that which comes on
following a period of lucidity after a head injury and is progressive. This requires
immediate, urgent medical attention.
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