HEAD INJURY |
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General Information
DEFINITION--Injury to the head, with or without unconsciousness or other visible signs.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMSDepends on the extent of injury. The presence or absence of swelling at the injury site is not related to the seriousness of injury. Signs and symptoms include any or all of the following:
Drowsiness or confusion.
Vomiting and nausea.
Blurred vision.
Pupils of different size.
Loss of consciousness--either temporarily or for long periods.
Amnesia or memory lapses.
Irritability.
Headache.
Bleeding of the scalp if the skin is broken.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORSIn sports, head injury is most common in contact or collision sports, especially football, ice hockey, boxing and wrestling. It is more likely in persons with seizure disorders.
HOW TO PREVENTWear protective headgear for contact sports and cycling.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
Laboratory studies of blood and cerebrospinal fluid.
X-rays of the skull and neck.
CAT scan (See Glossary) of the head.
SURGERYMay be life-saving if diagnostic measures detect a severe injury.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESSUsually heals without complications with early recognition of danger signs and prompt medical treatment. Complications can be life-threatening or cause permanent disability.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Bleeding under the skull (subdural hemorrhage and hematoma).
Bleeding into the brain.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENT
Careful examination by a doctor to determine the extent of injury.
Hospitalization for observation if signs and symptoms are severe.
HOME TREATMENT
After a doctor's examination, the injured person may be sent home -- but a responsible person must stay with the person and watch for serious symptoms. The first 24 hours after injury are critical, although serious aftereffects can appear later. If you are watching the patient, awaken him or her every hour for 24 hours. Report to the doctor immediately if you can't awaken or arouse the injured person. Report also any of the following:
Vomiting.
Inability to move arms and legs equally well on both sides.
Temperature above 100F (37.8C).
Stiff neck.
Pupils of unequal size or shape.
Convulsions.
Noticeable restlessness.
Severe headache that persists longer than 4 hours after injury.
Confusion.
MEDICATION
Don't give any medicine--including non-prescription acetaminophen or aspirin -- until the diagnosis is certain.
ACTIVITYThe patient should rest in bed until the doctor determines the danger of complications is over. Normal activity may then be resumed as symptoms improve.
DIETFull liquid diet until the danger passes.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have symptoms of a head injury or observe signs of a head injury in someone else.
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