Head banging on hard objects leads to traumatic brain injury. It is a mistake to assume that if the bones of the skull are intact, then there is no reason for concern. Closed injury is no less dangerous than its open form. How is a traumatic brain injury?
Classification
First aid should be provided very quickly, regardless of type.
Two forms of traumatic brain injury are distinguished.
1. Closed . It arises as a result of hitting the head against solid objects. In this case, the integrity of the bones of the skull is not violated. How should first aid be given for closed head injury? This issue will be considered later, we will now describe the symptoms. The signs by which a head injury can be determined depend on the severity. A mild injury that can cause concussion and bruising of the soft tissues of the brain is manifested by dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Short-term loss of consciousness and slight amnesia are possible. A more severe form can cause an unconscious state for up to 10 minutes. A person who is injured loses coordination, is not able to independently determine the location and remember the circumstances that led to her. Immediate hospitalization or medical examination at any degree is desirable.
2. Open. The most severe form of head injury, in which not only the bones of the skull are injured, but also the internal contents. Obvious defining signs are easy to notice. Deep wounds, severe bleeding, complete loss of consciousness. The patient must be hospitalized immediately. After all, only a quick and proper first aid for traumatic brain injury can help the victim.
Why are head injuries dangerous?
Even a slight bruise can lead to irreparable consequences for human health. A concussion that accompanies most head injuries does not cause much anxiety in humans. Refusal from examination and treatment can lead to the development of cerebrovascular disease.
Of particular concern should be head injuries in children and the elderly. Children's injuries may well result in developmental disabilities. Attacks of dizziness in a child and complaints of a headache indicate a possible concussion.
In older people, worn vessels may not withstand the load, and the risk of stroke increases greatly.
An open head injury is dangerous due to the free access of the infection to the internal contents of the brain. Large blood loss worsens the condition of the victim. Bone fragments and foreign objects can damage the lining of the brain and lead to fluid loss. First aid for open traumatic brain injury should be provided very quickly. Procrastination has dire consequences for human health. Statistics show a high mortality rate among those who had a head injury. First aid, most likely, was not provided on time, or the wrong manipulations were made.
When is it necessary to call an ambulance?
Having witnessed the fall of a person or a car accident, it is necessary to assess the danger of the condition of the victims. After all, they may need first aid for traumatic brain injury.
Call an ambulance if:
- A person does not regain consciousness for more than three minutes.
- There is bleeding in the head, mouth, or nose.
- Dissections and open wounds are visible.
- Difficulty breathing or missing for several seconds.
- Leg cramps.
- Coordination is broken, confusion is observed.
- Weakness and difficulty moving.
- Severe dizziness.
- Vomiting
First aid
The timely first aid provided for head injuries can save a person not only health but also life.
In case of head injuries, do not move the victim and try to put him on his feet. A person may not be aware of his condition. He may try to get up or help other participants in the accident. This is the natural behavior of a victim of a severe blow to the head without loss of consciousness. What should I do if there is a chance that a person has a head injury? First aid should be provided as follows:
- it is necessary to try to calm a person and lay him on his back;
- you need to control the pulse and respiratory function;
- in case of unconsciousness, the victim is laid on his side - uncontrolled vomiting poses a risk of airway obstruction;
- wounds must be bandaged or at least covered with sterile material.
When does an ambulance pick up a victim?
The ambulance team will determine the condition of the patient and, if necessary, deliver to the hospital for urgent hospitalization, if:
- the victim has not regained consciousness or is inadequately assessing his position;
- partial or total memory loss is observed;
- impaired vision, narrowing or dilated pupils;
- paresis of limbs and other neurological disorders;
- open wounds and bleeding.
The victim is delivered to the neurosurgical department for procedures. With open head injuries, urgent diagnosis with the help of special equipment is required, surgical intervention.
The chances of a full recovery largely depend on the state of human health before the incident and the complexity of the injury. It requires long-term treatment in a hospital and the continuation of outpatient monitoring by specialists. A complete opinion on the health effects can be reached no earlier than in a year. Full recovery can last more than five years.
Treatment for mild injuries
Timely diagnosis of a head injury and properly prescribed treatment help to avoid the consequences of brain injuries and concussion.
What to do with a person who has a head injury, first aid has already been provided to him? X-ray and MRI will determine the presence or absence of internal hemorrhages. Depending on this, treatment is prescribed. If the patient is in satisfactory condition, they are discharged for home treatment.
During this period, a patient with a concussion requires:
- complete rest and bed rest;
- regular intake of prescribed medications;
- plentiful drink.
With nausea, it is recommended to drink acidic liquids. It can be fruit drinks and juices from apples, lingonberries and cranberries.
Extraneous irritants (watching TV, working on a computer, reading books and bright lights) should also be excluded.
The use of folk remedies is not contraindicated for a speedy cure.
Traditional medicine in the treatment of concussion
Head injury is not a new disease. Village healers have successfully used herbs to solve problems.
Aralia tincture is used to restore brain function. Prepare it by pouring 50 g of raw materials 0.5 liters of medical alcohol. Insist 3 weeks. Take a teaspoon, diluting in half a glass of water.
Decoction of clover medicinal improves blood circulation and thins the blood. Pour a teaspoon of grass with a glass of hot water (the temperature should be more than 80 degrees) and insist for about twenty minutes. Take a third of a glass 3 times a day.
Herbs with a sedative effect can cope with the anxiety conditions accompanying concussion. Valerian root in the form of a pharmacy tincture, a broth of cyanosis blue, tincture of motherwort will help establish a dream.
Prevention methods
Any disease is easier to prevent than to cure. This is especially true for serious injuries, which could have been avoided in most cases by observing safety rules.
- For sporting activities of the team type, cycling and other active species, protective equipment must be used. A helmet and other sports accessories will help protect your head in collisions, falls and bumps.
- Use seat belts and monitor the condition of the braking system of the car while traveling.
- Observe the rules of the road both as a driver and as a pedestrian.
- Ensure the safety of children in the apartment. Do not leave unattended. Restrict access to hazardous items. Eliminate the possibility of falling unstable heavy furniture. If necessary, use soft cushions and pillows covering the sharp corners of cribs and sofas.
- Observe safety rules during ice. Anti-slip shoe pads help avoid falling.
- Do not walk along buildings while melting snow and the risk of icicles and ice falling from the roofs of tall houses.
Observance of safety measures will reduce the chance of getting a head injury.
Conclusion
Now you know what the traumatic brain injury happens, first aid how it should be rendered. We hope that the information presented in the article was useful to you.