By head trauma we mean any type of trauma suffered by the brain, skull or scalp. It can be an open or closed wound and can range from a mild bruise to a full-blown concussion. Sometimes it is difficult to correctly assess the damage simply by observing the person; You also need to keep in mind that any type of head injury is potentially serious. However, by looking for the potential signs of this type of injury with a short examination, you can recognize the symptoms of TBI and provide appropriate treatment.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Look for the Signs of Injury
Step 1. Be aware of the risks
Head trauma can occur whenever you suffer a blow, bump or abrasion to the head and can be the result of a car accident, fall, collusion with another person, or simply by hitting your head. Although in most cases this is a minor injury that does not require hospitalization, it is still important to check yourself and others close to you after an accident. This way, you can be sure that you have not sustained any serious or life-threatening head injuries.
Step 2. Check for external injuries
If you or another person has had any kind of accident or injury involving their head or face, take a few minutes to do a thorough search for any obvious injuries. By doing this, you can quickly understand if there are any cuts that require immediate medical attention or first aid, as well as other problems that could worsen. Check each section of the head very carefully, observing and gently feeling the skin with your hands. Symptoms of concern are:
- Blood from a cut or abrasion, which can be serious, as the head has more blood vessels than any other part of the body
- Loss of blood or other fluids coming out of the nose or ears
- The skin around the eyes or ears turns black or bluish;
- Bruising
- Bumps also called "bumps";
- A foreign object stuck in the head.
Step 3. Pay attention to physical symptoms
In addition to bleeding and bruising, you may notice other physical signs that indicate a head injury; many of these can indicate whether it is a serious internal or external injury. They can also manifest immediately or develop over time, from a few hours to even a few days later, and require immediate medical attention. Be sure to check yourself or the accident victim for:
- Breathing interruption;
- Severe or worsening headache;
- Loss of balance
- Loss of consciousness;
- Weakness;
- Inability to use an arm or leg
- Different sized pupils or abnormal eye movement
- Convulsions;
- Persistent crying in babies;
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Vertigo or feeling dizzy;
- Temporary ringing in the ears
- Sudden sleepiness.
Step 4. Check for cognitive signs related to internal injuries
It is often easier to spot a head injury through physical symptoms. In some cases, however, you may not see cuts, noticeable bumps, or notice headaches. However, there are other potentially serious signs that can point to a head injury that you need to watch out for. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the cognitive symptoms described below:
- Memory loss;
- Mood swings
- Confusion and a sense of disorientation;
- Dysarthria;
- Sensitivity to light, sound or distraction.
Step 5. Continue to monitor the symptoms
It is important to know that you may not detect any symptoms of a head injury; they may be unnoticeable and not show up for several days or weeks after the injury. For this reason, you must continue to monitor your health or that of the person who suffered the head injury.
Ask friends or family if they notice any possible changes in your behavior and if they notice any obvious physical signs, such as a change in skin color
Part 2 of 2: Treating Head Trauma
Step 1. Seek medical attention
If you recognize symptoms of head trauma and / or are unsure about it, see your doctor or go to the emergency room. That way, you can be sure you don't have a serious or fatal injury and get the proper care.
- Call the ambulance if you notice any of the following signs: severe bleeding in the face or head, severe headache, loss of consciousness or shortness of breath, seizures, persistent vomiting, weakness, confusion, different diameter pupils, black or bluish color around the eyes and ears.
- See your doctor within a day or two after a serious head injury, even if you didn't need emergency surgery at the time of the accident. Be sure to report the dynamics of the trauma to the doctor and inform him of the steps you have taken to treat the wound at home, including any pain medications or other basic first aid treatments.
- Keep in mind that it is nearly impossible for a first responder to pinpoint the type and severity of the head injury. Internal trauma must be examined by specialist doctors at appropriate medical facilities.
Step 2. Stabilize your head
If the victim who has suffered the trauma is conscious, it is important to stabilize her head while you are providing adequate care or waiting for an ambulance. Placing your hands on the sides of your head prevents further movement and damage while allowing you to provide first aid.
- Place a coat, blanket, or other rolled-up garment next to her head to keep her in place while you take care.
- Hold the victim as still as possible, with the head and shoulders slightly raised.
- Do not take off your helmet, if you were wearing it, to avoid further possible injury.
- Don't shake her, even if she looks confused or has lost consciousness. Just give it a few taps without moving it.
Step 3. Stop the bleeding
Regardless of whether the head injury is severe or not, you need to stop bleeding. Apply a clean band or garment to stop blood from any type of head injury.
- Apply firm pressure when putting on the cloth or bandage, unless you fear there may be a skull fracture. In this case, just cover the bleeding site with a sterile bandage.
- Do not remove the bandage or garment. If you see blood still coming out of the cut and passing through the fabric, simply lay a new cloth over the dirty one. Also be careful not to remove any dirt or debris from the wound. If there is a lot of debris, lightly cover the lesion with a bandage.
- Remember that you should never wash a wound that is bleeding a lot or that is very deep.
Step 4. Manage your vomiting
In some cases of head trauma, the victim may vomit. If you have stabilized your head and the victim starts vomiting, you need to avoid choking. If this is the case, roll it over to one side to minimize the risk of choking.
Make sure you support her head, neck, and spine when she is lying on one side of her body
Step 5. Apply an ice pack for pain relief
If you or another person is experiencing swelling on the injured area, you need to put ice on it to reduce it. This allows inflammation, pain and discomfort to be controlled.
- Place ice on the wound for 20 minutes at a time up to three to five times a day. Remember to see your doctor if the swelling does not subside within a day or two. If the inflammation worsens, is accompanied by vomiting and / or a severe headache, go to the emergency room immediately.
- Use a ready-made ice pack you find on the market or make your own using a bag of frozen vegetables or fruit. Remove it from the injury if it is too cold or causes pain. Make sure you keep a towel or cloth between your skin and the ice, to avoid the risk of discomfort and chilblains.
Step 6. Monitor the victim constantly
When a person suffers a head injury, you should always keep an eye on them for a few days or until they undergo medical treatment. By doing this, you can be ready to assist if you notice changes in vital signs, as well as reassuring and calming her.
- Pay attention to any changes in your breathing and attention span. If he stops breathing and you have the proper knowledge, you need to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) right away.
- Speaking to the victim to reassure them, you can also notice any alterations in the way they speak or their cognitive abilities.
- Make sure you don't consume alcohol for 48 hours, as this substance can hide any symptoms of a serious injury or worsening health condition.
- You should seek medical attention if you have any doubts about changes in a TBI victim's health condition.
