Head injuries Head injuries and and

ConcussionsConcussionsBy Joseph Salinitri

Preliminary P.D.H.P.E: Assessment Task 4; First Aid

The of Head Injuries and Concussions

Head injuries involve damage to the brain or the structure of the skull surrounding the brain.

Head injuries are serious injuries and none should be overlooked

There are 5 main types of head injury: Cuts Concussion Contusion Haemorrhage Compression

NatureNature

CCuuttsso Although they look alarming, cuts to

the scalp, are only likely to be serious is caused by a large blow

Examples of cuts to the skull

CCooncuncusssisioonn

o Concussions are “a traumatic injury to the brain as a result of a violent blow, shaking, or spinning. A brain concussion can cause immediate and usually temporary impairment of brain function such as of thinking, vision, equilibrium and consciousness”.

CCoonnttuussiioonn

Contusion (or bruising) may occur to the brain after an injury, which causes swelling of the brain tissue. As a result of contusion, periods of unconsciousness following an accident may be prolonged, as well as periods of amnesia after consciousness is regained.

The site of contusion may be directly at the site of injury or the opposite side (contra-coup brain injury) due to the brain bouncing back (during accident).

Skull

Contusion, or bruising of the brain may occur at the site of the blow.

Brain

Area of bruising

Site of impact

POSSIBLE SITE OF BRAIN INJURY FOLLOWING A BLOW TO BACK OF HEAD

CCoonnttuussiioonn

HHaemmorrrrhagee

Haemorrhage is bleeding in the skull. It is a frequent outcome of head injuries. It is usually caused by the damaging of the blood vessels present in the dura mater (tough covering of the inside of the skull)

A dissected, preserved brain that had a haemorrhage

Haemorrhage

CComomPPresresSSionion

If there is any swelling or bleeding within the skull, a point can be reached when there is no more room for expansion, this is compression.

Compression of the brain is a serious issues and can lead to severe damage. In extreme cases, compression can cause brain tissue to squeeze out of the base of the skull, this is known as coning.

SignsSigns and Symptoms of Serious Head injury Deep cuts or tears to the scalp Nausea Vomiting Severe headache Visual disturbance Drowsiness or difficulty being aroused Unequal sized pupils, or pupils that do not respond to light Paralysis, numbness or loss of function over one half of the

body Problems with balance Fluid flowing from eyes and/or mouth Drunken behaviour Fits, confusion or unconsciousness

Signs and SymptomsSymptoms of rising pressure within the Skull

Intense headache, worse when lying flat and/or with physical exertion

Unequal or dilated pupils Vomiting Weakness on one side of the body Noisy, irregular breathing Irritable or aggressive behaviour

Example of Dilated pupil

First AidFirst Aid for a Protect the victim’s airway by tilting back, the jaw,

whilst treating them as if they have a spinal injury Apply pressure to any scalp wounds that are bleeding Watch for vomiting If conscious, lay them on the floor with head and

shoulders slightly raised. If they are unconscious, place them in the recovery position whilst protecting their neck

Call emergency services (000 or 112) Check for responses. Constantly reassure them Constantly check their breathing and level of

consciousness until helps arrives.

Head injury

First Aid forfor cutscuts to the to the HeadHead Wear protective gloves. Expose the wound.

Do not drag clothing over the wound. Clear the wound surface of any obvious

debris by using a gauze pad. Control bleeding by putting direct pressure

on wound and elevating limb. Apply a bandage to the wound once

bleeding is controlled Keep casualty warm and calm until further

help arrives.

First Aid for a person with a Concussion Carefully clear victim’s airway

(ensuring no further damage is done as there may be spinal injury)

Call 000 Maintain a clear and open airway Keep them comfortable until medical

professionals arrive

BibliographyBibliographyBooks:Australian Red Cross Society, The. (1991). First Aid Manual. Collins

Angus&Robertson Publishers Pty Ltd.: Sydney

Balint, Danielle (ed.). (2003). 2 Unit Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Preliminary Course 2008,First Aid. Able Publishing: Melbourne

Fermie, Dr. F., Keech, Dr. P. and Shepherd Dr.S. (2005). The Illustrated Practical Book of First Aid and Family Health. Anness Publishing Ltd

Lippman, J. and Natoli, D. (2008). First Aid: A training Guide for the Management of Emergencies. J.L. Publications: Australia

St. John Ambulance Australia. (1995). Australian First Aid; Volumes 1 and 2. St. John Ambulance Australia: Melbourne

BibliographyBibliography

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