Head injury
Alternative names:
brain injury; concussion - first aid; injury to the head
First aid:
Treatment varies according to the severity of the injury,
type and location of injury, and development of secondary
complications. For mild head injury, no specific treatment
may be needed other than observation for complications. Over-the-counter
analgesics may be used
for headache. Aspirin
is usually discouraged
because prolonged use increases the risk of bleeding.
For moderate to severe head injury, urgent treatment is required.
The following first aid treatment is indicated if the victim
is comatose or symptoms
are severe.
1. Check the victim's airway, breathing, and circulation.
If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR.
2. If the victim's breathing and heart
rate are satisfactory but he or she is unconscious,
treat him or her as if there is a spinal
injury. Stabilize the head and neck by placing your hands
on both sides of the victim's head, keeping the head in line
with the spine and preventing movement. Wait for medical help.
3. Unless there has been a skull fracture,
attempt to stop any bleeding by firmly pressing a clean cloth
on the wound. If the
injury is serious, be careful not to move the victim's head.
If blood soaks through the cloth, don't remove it; just place
another cloth over the first one.
4. If you suspect a skull fracture, do not apply direct pressure
to the bleeding site and do not remove any debris from the
wound. Cover the wound with sterile gauze dressing and get
medical help immediately.
5. If the head wound is superficial, wash it with soap and
warm water and pat dry.
6. If a victim is vomiting
and you don't suspect a spinal injury, turn his or her head
to the side to prevent choking.
Children often vomit
once after a head injury. But even if the child does not vomit
again and is not behaving differently, contact a doctor.
7. Apply ice packs to swollen areas.
8. Over-the-counter pain medicine usualy helps reduce headache.
9. Over the next 24 hours, observe the victim for any signs
of a serious head injury. During the night, awaken the victim
every 2 to 3 hours and check for alertness. Ask the victim
specific questions, such as an address. If the victim becomes
unusually drowsy, develops
a severe headache or stiff
neck, vomits more than once, or behaves abnormally, get
medical help immediately.
10. Refrain from vigorous activity for 24 hours after a serious
head injury.
Do not:
- DO NOT remove the helmet of a victim if you suspect a
serious head injury.
- DO NOT wash a head wound
that is deep or bleeding
profusely.
- DO NOT remove any object sticking out of a wound.
- DO NOT move the victim unless absolutely necessary.
- DO NOT shake the victim if he or she seems dazed.
- DO NOT let other, more obvious, injuries distract you
from the head injury.
- DO NOT pick up a fallen child with any sign of head injury.
- DO NOT consume alcohol within 48 hours of a serious head
injury.
Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:
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