For any community, head trauma care is a crucial concern. Nearly 100% of severe head injuries and two thirds of moderate head injuries prevent the patient from returning to pre-accident levels of functionality. The most common causes of head injury result from motor vehicle accidents, bicycle falls and collisions, sports-related accidents and assaults.
Causes
Prevention
Diagnosis
Treatment
Other Resources
Causes of Head Trauma
Head injuries can range from relatively minor damage to the scalp and face such as lacerations, abrasions and bruising to more serious consequences involving damage to the brain. There are two basic types of brain injury: open head injury and closed head injury. Open head injuries are caused by bullets or other penetrating objects. Closed head injury is the more common of the two, usually caused by a rapid movement of the head. Closed head injuries often occur as a result of motor vehicle collisions or falls.
In the adult population (22 - 65 years of age) motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of brain injuries. Alcohol is a significant factor in the occurrence of brain injury, with more than 50 percent of persons intoxicated at the time of injury.
Dial 911 or call for emergency medical assistance if any of the following signs are apparent:
- Severe head or facial bleeding
- Change in level of consciousness, even if temporary
- Black-and-blue discoloration below the eyes or behind the ears
- Cessation of breathing
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Weakness or an inability to use an arm or leg
- Always wear a seat belt
- Place infants and babies securely in appropriate car seats in the rear facing the back
- Use a booster seat for toddlers and children too big for a car seat yet too small for regular seating
- Don't drink and drive
- Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or motorcycle
- Wear a hard hat while on a construction site
Diagnosis of Head Trauma
Once the patient is stabilized, a series of tests may be ordered by the physician to determine the extent of the injury. These tests can include a CT scan, neurologic examination, papillary examination, and oscular movement examination.
Treatment
Treatment for Head Trauma varies depending on the type and severity of injuries. Mild head injuries are often treated at home and patients are prescribed bed rest, fluids, and a mild pain reliever. However, the symptoms of a serious head injury can be delayed. Patients should be awakened every 2 to 3 hours to check alertness. Patients who suffer a concussion are usually monitored at home or in the hospital and their head and shoulders are raised slightly on a pillow or blanket. Those with severe injuries or with a deteriorating level of consciousness may be kept hospitalized for observation. They are usually given medication to prevent or treat seizures that occur from the head injury. Closed head injuries may require surgery to either drain the bleeding or remove clots that may have formed inside the skull. Long-term disability can result from a head injury. In this case, there are a variety of treatment programs available including long-term rehabilitations.
Head/Spine Injury Web Resources
American Brain Injury Association
The Brain Injury Association of America encompasses a national network of more than 40 chartered state affiliates across the country, as well as hundreds of local chapters and support groups.
Medline Plus
Medline Plus is a service from the National Library of Medicine, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. It contains a wide variety of health-related topics for the healthcare professional and consumer alike.
Think First
ThinkFirst, the National Injury Prevention Programs award-winning public education efforts target this high-risk age group. These upbeat programs educate young people about personal vulnerability and risk taking.
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