HEAD INJURIESHEAD INJURIESHead InjuriesHead Injuries

Scalp lacerationsScalp lacerations

Skull fracturesSkull fractures

Brain injuries Brain injuries

Complications of head injuriesComplications of head injuries

Scalp LacerationsScalp Lacerations

Scalp has a rich blood Scalp has a rich blood supply.supply.

There may be more There may be more serious, deeper serious, deeper injuries.injuries.

Fold skin flaps back Fold skin flaps back down onto scalp.down onto scalp.

Control bleeding by Control bleeding by direct pressure.direct pressure.

Skull FractureSkull Fracture

Indicates significant Indicates significant forceforce

SignsSigns Obvious deformityObvious deformity Visible crack in the Visible crack in the

skullskull Raccoon eyesRaccoon eyes Battle’s signBattle’s sign NECK INJURY!!NECK INJURY!!

Types of Head InjuriesTypes of Head Injuries

OPENOPEN

CLOSEDCLOSED

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms

(1 of 3)(1 of 3)

Cuts, bruises & swelling to scalpCuts, bruises & swelling to scalp

Soft areas or depression upon palpationSoft areas or depression upon palpation

Visible skull fractures or deformitiesVisible skull fractures or deformities

““Black eyes” / bruising behind ear.Black eyes” / bruising behind ear.

Clear or pink fluid leakageClear or pink fluid leakage

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms

(2 of 3)(2 of 3)

Unequal pupilsUnequal pupils

Loss of sensation and/or motor functionLoss of sensation and/or motor function

Period of unconsciousnessPeriod of unconsciousness

AmnesiaAmnesia

SeizuresSeizures

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms

(3 of 3)(3 of 3)

Numbness or tingling in the extremitiesNumbness or tingling in the extremities

Irregular respirationsIrregular respirations

DizzinessDizziness

Visual complaintsVisual complaints

Combative or abnormal behaviorCombative or abnormal behavior

Nausea or vomitingNausea or vomiting

Level of ConsciousnessLevel of Consciousness

Change in level of consciousness is the Change in level of consciousness is the single most important observation.single most important observation.

Use the AVPU scaleUse the AVPU scale

ReassessReassess Every 15 minutes if patient is stable.Every 15 minutes if patient is stable. Every 5 minutes if patient is unstable.Every 5 minutes if patient is unstable.

Level of ConsciousnessLevel of Consciousness

AA AlertAlert

VV Responsive to Verbal stimulusResponsive to Verbal stimulus

PP Responsive to PainResponsive to Pain

UU UnresponsiveUnresponsive

Emergency Medical CareEmergency Medical Care

Establish an adequate airway, (head tilt / Establish an adequate airway, (head tilt / chin lift)chin lift)

Control bleeding and provide adequate Control bleeding and provide adequate circulation.circulation.

Assess the patient’s baseline level of Assess the patient’s baseline level of consciousness.consciousness.

Begin fluid resuscitation, Maintain radial Begin fluid resuscitation, Maintain radial pulsepulse

QUESTONS?QUESTONS?