Head Injuries & Concussion
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Transcript of Head Injuries & Concussion
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
Websites:BBC. (8.8.08). Two jailed over pensioner attack. (online).
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/south_yorkshire/5256722.stm Retrieved: 10.8.08
Better Health Channel. (1.8.08). Head Injuries- First Aid. (online). http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.Nsf/pages/Head_injuries_first_aid?OpenDocument Retrieved: 1.8.08
Dkimages.(no date). Head Injuries. (online). http://www.dkimages.com/discover/Home/Health-and-Beauty/First-Aid/Head-Injuries/Head-Injuries-04.html Retrieved: 10.8.08
No name. (no date). Soccer Overload. (online). http://socceroverload.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/ful071109009_19069_full-lnd.jpg Retrieved: 8.8.08
The University of Melbourne. (17.2.05). Anatomy and Pathology Collection. (online) http://www.anatomy.unimelb.edu.au/museum/collection.html Retrieved: 26.7.08