Chapter 12: Head and Spinal Injuries

Question 1

What do you do if there is a continuous flow of blood or CSF from the ear or nose? What should you not do?

Answer 1

Block it; if you do that you might increase th pressure within the skull

Question 2

What is a concussion?

Answer 2

mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI)
When a blow to the head alters the brain function

Question 3

What are some symptoms of a concussion?

Answer 3

Difficulty thinking/ remembering symptoms, headache, fuzzy or blurred vision, balance problems, sadness, more emotional,

Question 4

What do you do if someone has a concussion?

Answer 4

1.Check for responsiveness and breathing if unresponsive and if necessary perform CPR
2.If a neck injury is suspected, do not move the head, neck or spine; stay still as possible and call 9-1-1
3.Do not remove the helmet unless there is an obstructed airway or if the helmet is too lose and you cannot stabilize the spine
4.Seek medical care: if they are very drowsy and cannot wake up, has a dilated pupil than the other one, seizure, can’t recognize people, becomes more mentally agitated, unusual behavior, unresponsive, very bad headache, nausea and vomiting, slurred speech
5.Get a lots off sleep, avoid visual and sensory stimuli, go into normal activities slowly, avoid strenuous physical activities, avoid playing sports, driving, avoid anything that can cause another head injury
6.Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications

Question 5

What is a contusion?

Answer 5

A direct blow to the head causing a bruise on the brain

Question 6

What is coup-contrecoup?

Answer 6

A contusion on each side of the brain

Question 7

What is paraplegic?

Answer 7

paralysis of the legs caused by damage to the spine

Question 8

What is quadriplegic?

Answer 8

paralysis of the arms and legs caused by damage to the spine

Question 9

What do you do if someone is bleeding and has a suspected fracture skull?

Answer 9

Call 911
Apply a sterile dressing over the wound and hold it in place with gentle pressure
Control bleeding by pressing on the edges of the wound
DO NOT move the head, neck or spin
DO NOT remove an impaled

Question 10

What is a battle sign?

Answer 10

discoloration around the eyes or behind the ear that appears several hours after the injury