When Head Trauma Occurs, Seek Immediate Help
Those who play sports often suffer head injuries. A head injury can be a minor blow or a serious brain injury. Any trauma to the scalp, skull, or brain is classified as a traumatic head injury. If the trauma is severe, the injury can result in mental disability, permanent disability, brain injury (traumatic brain injury or TBI), or even death. Immediate medical attention is required when a person sustains head injuries. This is especially true if the victim is showing symptoms of a severe headache, vomiting, or is conscious. Inability to move, problems with speech and vision, and bleeding from the ear or nose are also emergency signals to call for medical help. If the victim is a child, persistent crying is a sign that something is wrong, so call 911 immediately.
Whether the injury was from sports or from a fall or car accident, further damage to the head must be avoided. Avoid moving the person, especially the head, unless necessary, such as when the person’s airway is blocked. Any unnecessary movement can cause further harm to the person.
• If the person is unconscious, give only chest compressions.
• Apply bandages directly to cuts to control bleeding.
• Apply ice for at least 20 minutes every two to four hours if there is swelling.
• If the symptoms mentioned above appear in the person, including irritability or restlessness and worsening of the headache, consult a doctor immediately.
• Do not leave the person alone and check every two hours to see if he is alert.
• Look for signs of new symptoms.
what to avoid
• Avoid washing the wound.
• Avoid shaking or moving the person.
• Do not remove the helmet from the injured person.
• Do not lift the person with the head injury.
For minor head injuries, what to do?
• Ask one person to stay with the patient.
• Maintain an easily accessible phone and medical help, especially within 48 hours of injury.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Do not take alcohol, sleeping pills or sedatives.
• Take acetaminophen for mild headache. Avoid any NSAIDs unless prescribed by your doctor.
• Do not drive a vehicle unless the patient is fully recovered.
• Do not practice any contact sport without consulting a doctor.
Head injuries are dangerous if not given proper medical care. If you or someone you know suffers from this type of injury, be sure to get help if you notice any of the symptoms listed above. You can find information about traumatic brain injuries at the Move2Improve Foundation.