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What are they?Head injuries may produce concussion - a period of unconsciousness followed by complete recovery. Other head injuries may produce compression of the brain, which is life threatening. A head wound can indicate deeper damage, such as a skull fracture. Skull fractureRecognition - Wound or bruise to head
- Soft area on scalp
- Impaired consciousness
- Leakage of clear fluid from nose/ear
Treatment - Call 999
- Control any bleeding from the head
- If there is discharge from an ear, cover ear with a sterile dressing but don't plug it
Cerebral compressionRecognition - Confusion
- Headache
- Heavy, slow breathing
- Asymmetrical pupils
- High temperature, flushed face
Treatment - Call 999
- If the casualty is conscious, support them in a comfortable position
ConcussionRecognition - Loss of consciousness
- Dizziness/nausea on recovery
- Loss of memory
- Headache
- Pale face
Treatment - Sit casualty down quietly
- Treat bruise or wound with cold compress
- Watch casualty and if they do not return to normal within a few minutes, seek medical advice
This article was reviewed by the British Red Cross in April 2007.
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information. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.
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