$Unique_ID{PAR00295}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Emergency First Aid:  HEAD INJURIES}
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$Author{
Editors of Consumer Guide
Siegfried, Donna M}
$Subject{HEAD INJURIES injury fall falls falling blow blows collision
collisions lump lumps cut bruise bruises dent dents scalp pain unconscious
unconsciousness drowsy drowsiness confused confusion bleed bleeds bleeding
nose ear mouth clear bloody fluid draining ears vomiting convulsion
convulsions discoloration eyes unequal pupil pupils breathe breathes breathing
difficulty paralyzed paralysis speech speak speaks speaking restless
restlessness cuts scrape scrapes}
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The New Parents' Question & Answer Book


HEAD INJURIES


CAUSES

     A head injury can be caused by a fall, a blow to the head, or a
collision.


SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

  -  lump, cut, bruise, or dent in the scalp
  -  pain at the point of contact/injury
  -  unconsciousness
  -  drowsiness or confusion
  -  bleeding from the nose, ear, or mouth
  -  clear or bloody fluid draining from the nose or ears
  -  vomiting
  -  convulsions
  -  discoloration under the eyes
  -  unequal pupil sizes
  -  breathing difficulty
  -  paralysis
  -  speech difficulty
  -  restlessness


EMERGENCY TREATMENT

1. SEEK MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IMMEDIATELY for all but the most minor cuts and
   scrapes. Call 911 or operator.

Until Ambulance Arrives:

2. Suspect back or neck injury if child cannot move arms, hands, fingers,
   legs, feet, or toes or has pain in neck or back.  DO NOT move child unless
   absolutely necessary to save child's life.  See BACK AND NECK INJURIES
   (previous section).
3. Check breathing.  If breathing stops, use jaw thrust to open airway, and
   attempt mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.  See MOUTH-TO-MOUTH RESUSCITATION
   (previous section).
4. Keep child lying down.
5. If no back or neck injury suspected, elevate head and shoulders slightly
   with a pillow or rolled blanket.  Turn child's head to side to allow fluids
   to drain from mouth or ears.
6. DO NOT remove impaled objects from skull.  See IMPALED OBJECTS (later
   section).  Small objects impaled in face may be removed by gently and
   slowly pulling objects out at same angle at which they entered.
7. Control bleeding.  See BLEEDING (previous section).
8. DO NOT clean deep scalp wounds.
9. Clean minor head wounds with soap and water
10. Place clean dressing over wounds, and secure with bandages.
11. Use hooking action with your finger to remove any broken teeth or foreign
    objects from child's mouth.  Wrap teeth in cool, wet cloth or submerge in
    glass of milk and transport with child to emergency room or dentist's
    office.
12. Observe for shock.  See SHOCK (later section).
13. DO NOT give child anything to eat or drink.
14. Seek medical attention for any head injury except the most minor cuts or
    scrapes.