Head and Spinal Injuries

Head Injuries Scalp wounds Skull fracture Brain injuries © Joe Gough/ShutterStock, Inc.

Scalp Wounds Care for scalp wounds –Control bleeding. –Keep head and shoulders slightly elevated if spinal injury is not suspected. –Seek medical care.

Skull Fracture Recognizing a skull fracture –Pain at point of injury –Break or deformity –Loss of consciousness –Drainage from ears and nose –Heavy scalp bleeding –Penetrating wound

Care for Skull Fracture Check responsiveness and breathing. Apply sterile dressing. Apply pressure around edges of the wound. Stabilize head and neck. Call

Brain Injuries Recognizing brain injury –Vacant stare –Slow to answer questions –Unaware of time and place –Slurred speech –Stumbling –Loss of responsiveness –Headache, dizziness, and nausea

Care for Brain Injuries Check responsiveness and breathing. Stabilize head and neck. Control bleeding with sterile dressing. –Apply pressure around edges of the wound if there is skull fracture. Call

Eye Injuries Foreign objects in eye Penetrating eye injuries Blows to the eye Eye avulsion Cuts of the eye or lid Chemicals in eye Eye burns from light

Care for Loose Foreign Objects in Eye (1 of 2) Lift upper lid over lower lid. Hold eyelid open and gently rinse. Pull lower lid down. Remove object with moistened, sterile gauze.

Care for Loose Foreign Objects in Eye (2 of 2) Roll upper lid upward over cotton swab. Remove object with moistened, sterile gauze.

Care for Penetrating Eye Injuries Stabilize the object. Ask victim to close unaffected eye. Call

Care for Blows to the Eye Apply ice for about 15 minutes. Seek medical care if vision is affected.

Care for Eye Avulsion (Eye Knocked Out) Cover the eye loosely. Protect injured eye with a paper cup. Have victim close the uninjured eye. Call

Care for Cuts of the Eye or Lid If eyeball is cut, do not apply pressure. If eyelid is cut, apply gentle pressure. Have victim close unaffected eye. Call

Chemicals in the Eye Flush with water for 20 minutes. Loosely bandage with wet dressings. Call

Care for Eye Burns from Light Cover eyes with wet dressings and cold packs. Do not rub eyes. Seek medical care.

Nose Injuries Nosebleeds Broken nose

Care for Nosebleeds Sit and lean the victim slightly forward. Pinch nose for 5– 10 minutes. Seek medical care if bleeding cannot be controlled.

Broken Nose Recognizing a broken nose –Pain, swelling, crooked –Bleeding and difficulty breathing through nostrils –Black eyes

Care for a Broken Nose If bleeding, give care as for a nosebleed. Apply ice pack to nose for 15 minutes. Do NOT try to straighten a crooked nose. Seek medical care.

Mouth Injuries Bitten lip or tongue Knocked-out tooth Broken tooth

Bitten Lip or Tongue Apply direct pressure. Apply ice or cold pack. If bleeding does not stop, seek medical care.

Knocked-Out Tooth Place gauze in socket. Save tooth and seek dental or medical care immediately. Keep tooth moist. –Saliva, milk, saltwater

Broken Tooth Rinse the mouth with warm water. Apply a cold pack to cheek. Contact a dentist.

Spinal Injuries Common causes –Motor vehicle crashes –Direct blows –Falls from heights –Physical assaults –Sports injuries

Recognizing Spinal Injuries Inability to move limbs Numbness, tingling, weakness, burning sensation in arms and legs Deformity of neck Neck or back pain

Care for Spinal Injuries Stabilize head and neck. Check responsiveness and breathing, and provide care if needed. –If vomiting occurs, carefully roll the victim onto his or her side. Call