Head Injuries are common. From regular minor bumps as children to slips and falls as adults. The question is how do we know whether it is serious or not?
The signs and symptoms are usually a great help to recognising the severity of a head Injury.
It is important to look out for anything unusual following a bang to the head as a severe head injury could cause swelling and damage to the brain and it is important that you recognise any early and worrying signs of increased pressure on the brain.
Possible Signs and Symptoms to look out for a Head Injury:
Below Is a list of some of the factors that would be a cause of concern for a casualty who has suffered a head injury.
Call 999/112 Immediately if a casualty has:
- Become unconscious even momentarily
- Increased drowsiness
- Persistent head and neck pain
- Confusion, dizziness, loss of balance and/or loss of memory
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty walking
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Double vision
- Bleeding or fluid from the nose or ears
- Obvious serious wound
These signs and symptoms can come on quickly if it is a major injury. However, if it is a minor injury then it could take a few days before symptoms do develop. So, it is vitally important to monitor the casualty closely following a bang to the head. If you have any doubts about the injury, then you should seek medical help immediately.
Treatment
- Sit the casualty down and use a cold compress to hold against the injury for any swelling which may be present. (Wrap the Ice in a cloth to avoid direct contact with the skin).
- Treat any scalp wounds by applying direct pressure to the wound.
- Stay with the casualty to monitor them and record any vital signs. Look out for changes in their levels of response.
- Call 999/122 If the casualty develops signs and symptoms of a worsening head injury (see above).
Interested in learning first aid?
Why not attend one of our First Aid Courses in High Wycombe that we run regularly. This is an ideal First Aid Course for Individuals or smaller groups.
We can also come in-house to your office or place of work at a date and time that suits your requirements to run a workplace first aid course. All we ask is that you provide us with the largest room possible to ensure their is plenty of space to carry out practical training tasks.
Get in touch for more details.
