Brain injuries, can happen to anyone from a trip or fall, a car accident, or a sports injury. These injuries can range in severity from a concussion to a coma and even death.
Such injuries are considered traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which can be fatal, and survivors can face long-term challenges that have a large impact on their livelihoods and well-being.
Head injuries can range from mild to severe traumatic brain injuries, and timely treatment plays an important role in preventing long-term damage.
Understanding the early steps to take after a head injury is important. Everyone should know these four instant measures in case of an emergency or head injury.
1. Ensure scene safety and call for help
Making sure the injured person, anyone around them and you, are safe comes first. If the injury happens in a dangerous area—like a busy road or a high spot—move the victim to a safe spot as soon as you can to avoid endangering them further. Immediately call emergency services to get professional medical assistance on the way.
2. Keep the person still
The injured person should lie down completely still. Move the person only if necessary. Refrain from adjusting their neck. Don’t take off the person’s helmet if they are wearing one.
3. Keep an eye on vital signs
The vital signs of an injured person must be continuously observed. Verify their consciousness, respiration, and pulse. A serious injury could be indicated by symptoms including confusion, drowsiness, a strong headache, nausea, vomiting, seizures, or changes in pupil size. To help keep an eye on their condition and keep them from losing consciousness, keep the person talking and awake.
4. Control bleeding and use ice packs
Wounds over the head, especially the scalp, tend to bleed profusely. Apply direct pressure on any bleeding site over the head with a clean cloth for 10-15 minutes to control bleeding. In case of a swelling over the head without bleeding, using an ice pack or cold compress, can help relieve discomfort and minimise swelling. Cover the ice pack with a cloth or towel to prevent direct skin contact.
Treatment options:
Once emergency responders arrive, the person with the head injury will be assessed and given primary treatment based on the severity of their condition and transported to the hospital for further management.
For mild injuries like concussions, treatment may involve rest, pain management, and monitoring for any worsening symptoms. In more severe cases, advanced imaging techniques such as CT scans or MRIs may be used to diagnose fractures, bleeding, or brain swelling. In cases of severe traumatic brain injuries, surgical procedures might be required. These operations can include fixing skull fractures or evacuating collected blood to relieve pressure on the brain. A craniotomy is a procedure used by neurosurgeons to remove a portion of the skull to release pressure inside the brain and stop additional damage. To facilitate healing and manage any long-term repercussions, post-surgery intensive care and rehabilitation are often required.
To have the best potential outcome, brain injuries must be treated immediately and carefully. Before expert medical care arrives, it is necessary to ensure the injured person’s safety, immobilize them, check their vital signs and control any bleeding. Following these steps can have a major impact on the prognosis and rehabilitation of a person who has suffered severe head trauma.
