Any blow to the head can result in a head injury. Head injuries can cause
damage to the:
Scalp - such as a minor bump on
the head or scalp wound that bleeds
Skull - such as a skull fracture (a break
or crack in the bone that surrounds the brain)
Brain itself - such as a concussion, a
contusion (the brain tissue is bruised), or a hematoma (blood collects in an area of the
brain from a broken blood vessel)
Blood from broken vessels may seep into the brain even though you may not be able to see any bumps, cuts, or bruises. The blood has nowhere to go because skull bones don't expand. This puts pressure on the vital areas of the brain. This can cause serious problems.
Bleeding within the skull often starts within the first 24 hours after a head injury and can last for 3 days or longer. It is very important that you watch for signs and symptoms of a serious head injury during the first 24 hours. Also, be aware that symptoms may not occur for as long as several weeks later. {Note: Also, suspect a neck injury when there is a blow to the head. See Neck/Spine Injuries.}
Signs and symptoms of head injuries that indicate the need for medical care
include:
Loss of consciousness, confusion,
drowsiness, or personality change
Inability to move any part of the body, or
weakness in an arm or leg
Dent, bruise, cut, or blood on the scalp
Severe headache
Stiff neck
Vomiting
Blood or fluid that comes from the mouth,
nose, or ear
Loss of vision, blurred or double vision,
pupils of unequal size
Convulsions
Loss of consciousness
{Note: Some of these signs can happen at the time of the injury. Or they come later.}
Prevention
Ways to Prevent Head Injuries:
Wear a helmet when biking,
motorcycling, roller-blading, horseback riding, riding in an all-terrain vehicle, or
boxing. Insist that your child does, too.
Use child safety seats and/or seat belts in
any car, van, or truck.
Teach your child:
To stop and look both ways before crossing a street
About the dangers of running into the street without looking first
Not to run under the garage door as it closes
Not to bang his or her head against something hard during a temper tantrum
To protect your child:
Don't leave a him or her alone in a shopping cart. When available, use carts with seat
belts or child safety seats.
Don't leave a baby or toddler alone on a high place like a sofa, changing table, or bed.
Don't use baby walkers because they tip over easily.
Install window locks or guards on windows on upper floors. Don't rely on screens. A child
can fall through a screen.
Place a sturdy gate at the top of the stairs.
Lock the basement door or put a childproof cover on the doorknob.
Keep stairs free of clutter.
Don't walk on wet floors or other slippery
surfaces.
Avoid the use of throw rugs unless they
have rubber backing
{Note: If you suspect a head, neck, or back injury in yourself or someone else, you must keep the head, neck, and back perfectly still until an emergency crew arrives. Do not move someone with a suspected head, neck, or spine injury unless the person must be moved because his or her safety is in danger. Any movement of the head, neck, or back could result in paralysis or death. Hold the head, neck, and shoulders perfectly still. Use both hands, one on each side of the head.}
| With head injury, does the victim have any of these signs? No pulse No breathing Neck injury {Note: See CPR, but do not tilt the head back or move the head or neck when you do the "Airway and Breathing" part of CPR. Instead, pull the lower jaw (chin) forward to open the airway. Place your thumb(s) or fingers on the jawbones, just in front of and below the earlobes to do this.}  |
 |
| Is the victim of a head injury bleeding? {Note: See First Aid for Bleeding from the Scalp under "Cuts, Scrapes, & Punctures".} |
|
| Is the head injury victim unconscious longer than 5 minutes or
confused as to time and place? {Note: See Unconsciousness.} |
|
| Was the head injury victim unconscious for any period of time but
is okay now? |
|
| Do any of these problems occur after a head injury? Convulsions Drowsiness or it is hard to awaken the
victim {Note: See First Aid for Seizures with Convulsions under "Seizures".} |
|
| Do any of these problems occur after a head injury? Headache that lasts longer than 1
or 2 days or gets worse with time Inability to move arms or legs, weakness in
limbs Blurred or double vision, pupils of unequal
size Slurred speech Nausea, vomiting, dry heaves Memory loss, confusion, disorientation,
personality change |
|
| Did the head injury victim see stars or feel unusual in any way? |
 |
{Note: See also First Aid for Bleeding from the Scalp.}
First Aid for Minor Head Injuries:
Apply an ice pack to the
injured area to reduce swelling or bruising. Change it every 15 to 20 minutes for an hour
or two. Do not put ice directly on the skin. To make an ice pack:
Put ice cubes into a plastic bag with a little cold water and seal it. Wrap it in a clean
towel and apply
to the bump or bruise. Or cover a bag of frozen
vegetables with a towel and place on the injured area.
Cover an open small cut with gauze and
first-aid tape or a band-aid.
Resume normal activities once you know
there is no serious head injury.
Take an over-the-counter medicine for pain.
{Note: See Pain relievers
in Your Home Pharmacy.}
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 04/21/99