Head injury

Question 1

CONCUSSION

- 9 signs + symptoms

Answer 1

• possible unconsciousness for short period, followed by improved response + recovery
• short-term memory loss (esp. of incident)
• confusion, irritability
• mild, general headache
• pale, clammy skin
• shallow/normal breathing
• rapid, weak pulse (blood diverts away from extremities)
• normal pupils, reacting to light
• possible nausea or vomiting

Question 2

COMPRESSION

- 8 signs + symptoms

Answer 2

• could have history of recent head injury with apparent recovery, but then deteriorates
• levels of response worsen
• intense headache
• flushed, dry skin
• deep, noisy, slow breathing (due to pressure on breathing area of the brain)
• slow, strong pulse (caused by raised blood pressure)
• one or both pupils may dilate
• condition worsens, fits may occur, no recovery

Question 3

FRACTURED SKULL

- 8 signs + symptoms

Answer 3

• bleeding, swelling, bruising of head
• soft area / depression on scalp
• bruising around one or both eyes
• bruising or swelling behind ear
• bleeding or fluid from ear
• deformity / lack of symmetry to head
• blood in the white of eye
• concussion or compression symptoms may also be present

Question 4

head injury treatment following incident

[5 things]

Answer 4

• constantly monitor and record breathing, pulse, level of response (watch for deterioration)
• casualty should NOT be alone for few hours after injury
• casualty should go to hospital IMMEDIATELY if: headache worsens, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, weakness in arms/legs, speech problems, dizziness, bleeding from ear/ nose, visual problems, seizures, confusion
• DON’T let concussed sports player “play on” without medical opinion
• seek medical advice before allowing to eat or drink

Question 5

STROKE

[response acronym, 4 parts]

Answer 5

FAST

Facial weakness (smile, mouth/eye dropped)
Arm weakness (lift both arms)
Speech problems
Time (to call ambulance)

Question 6

other stroke symptoms

[x7]

Answer 6

• sudden numbness of face or one side of body
• loss of balance
• lack of coordination
• sudden severe headache
• sudden onset of confusion
• sight problems (one or both eyes)
• unequal pupil size

Question 7

treatment of stroke

[6 things to do]

Answer 7

• maintain airway + breathing
• call emergency services (time is of the essence)
• unconscious: recovery position
• conscious: lie down, head and shoulders raised
• reassure (even if don’t seem to understand)
• monitor/record breathing, pulse, response