Head Injuries

Minor head injuries can often look very alarming because the rich supply of blood vessels feeding the scalp, will often bleed profusely. Often, the head injury may only produce a large bump or “goose egg” on top of

area of injury, and be extremely tender and bruised. These types of minor head injuries can frequently be taken care of at home, with a few minimum precautions. It is very important however to continue watchful monitoring of the victim to determine if there are any other internal injuries inside of the head. When in doubt, seek immediate attention by a medical professional.

Basically with head trauma, we are concerned whether or not there is uncontrolled bleeding going on inside the head. You will not necessarily see any bleeding or major injuries on the outside of the head, so do not be fooled! Bleeding inside the skull causes swelling and pressure in the brain area and is therefore life threatening. In addition, anyone who has suffered a head injury, may also have injured their neck so proceed with caution in home treatment. If you are not absolutely sure of the extent of the patient’s injuries, seek immediate attention by a medical professional.

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Treatment and Expectations: The first step is to assess the victim to see if he needs immediate professional medical attention. Go directly to the emergency room if:

1. There has been any loss of consciousness.

2. There is any change in vision or speech.

3. There is any confusion or loss of memory. Ask the victim to state his name, age, birth date, and the day of the week.

4. There is any clear or bloody discharge coming from the ears or the nose, that is not from a visible external source

5. The victim develops a severe headache or “the worst headache of his life.”

6. Severe vomiting or vomiting after two hours past the time of injury. A little nausea and vomiting within the first fifteen minutes may be normal.

7. There are any seizures or convulsions.

8. There is any uncontrolled or pulsed bleeding.

9. There is any signs or symptoms of infection.

If the above conditions have been ruled out and you feel that the head injuries are minor or external , then proceed with home treatment.

Active bleeding can be controlled by placing a clean cloth over the wound and applying direct pressure for a good fifteen minutes. This method although simple, works extremely well in most cases as long as the bleed is somewhat slow and steady, and not squirting out fast or in pulses. A contusion or bump can sometimes be minimized with prompt application of ice to the wound.

Seek Professional Medical Attention If: Watchful monitoring of the victim must be performed for the next 24 hours. Check at least every 2 hours for all the conditions listed above in the treatment section. If the victim sleeps, wake them every two hours to look for symptoms of abnormally deep sleep (difficulty waking them up), and then run through the list above. Seek immediate professional medical attention if any points on the list above apply, or if in doubt.