Head Trauma Information

Head trauma is the term used for any injury that affects the skull, scalp or brain. There are millions of head injuries each year, and more than half a million of those result in significant damage that requires hospitalization or leads to death. Basic first aid can lead to less serious consequences if implemented correctly.

Types

• The two types of head trauma are open, or penetrating, and closed. When an object strikes the head but does not break the skull, closed head trauma results. If an object hits the head and breaks the skull, resulting in something entering the brain, open trauma has occurred.

Severe Head Trauma Symptoms

• Symptoms of severe head trauma that require immediate medical attention include loss of consciousness, severe bleeding from the head or face, any bleeding or clear fluid coming from the nose or ears, severe headache, neck pain, confusion, breathing cessation, weakness of the arms or legs, loss of balance, vomiting, slurred speech, pupils of unequal size, inconsolable crying, dizziness, inability to control bladder functions and seizures.

Treatment for Closed Head Trauma

• Treat closed head injuries with cold packs applied to the wound for 20 minutes. Look for any of the signs of internal (open) head trauma. When the injured person is asleep, watch for twitching limbs, breathing problems or changes in color. If any problems are suspected, partially waken the patient. If he does not try to resettle and fuss a bit, try to wake him fully. Failure to wake completely calls for immediate medical attention.

First Aid

• Call 911 and get immediate medical help if any of the symptoms of severe head trauma are present. While waiting for emergency personal to arrive, check the airway, breathing and circulation of the injured party and begin CPR if necessary.
  If the person's breathing and pulse are fine but she is unconscious, place hands on both sides of the head to stabilize the neck and spine. Keep the head in line with the spine and keep her from moving until help arrives. Press a cloth firmly on any spots that are bleeding. Do not remove a soaked-through bloody cloth. Instead, apply another cloth over top of the first. Do not apply pressure if skull fracture is suspected. Instead, cover the wound with sterile gauze dressing. Do not remove objects stuck in the skull.
  Apply ice to any areas that are swollen. Roll the patient's head, neck and body as one unit onto her side if she vomits. Keep everything aligned to prevent spinal injury.

Prevention/Solution

• Wear protective headgear when engaging in sports, use seat belts in motor vehicles, obey traffic laws when bike riding and be aware of surroundings, wear bright clothing when out after dark, childproof the home and have specific play areas to lessen chance of injury.