HEAD AND NECK INJURIES
What are the most common causes of head and neck injuries for 13-25 year olds.
Strains, Sprains and sports injuries.
Sprain, strain or concussion.
What is concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head or body, a fall, or another injury that jars or shakes the brain inside the skull. (WebMD, 2014) A concussion may not be immediately apparent at first, and you don't always have lose consciousness to have a concussion either.
What are the symptoms of concussion?
The most common symptoms of a concussion are having a headache or a feeling of pressure in the head, Temporary loss of consciousness, Confusion or feeling as if in a fog, Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event. Dizziness or "seeing stars", Ringing in the ears, Nausea or vomiting, Slurred speech and Fatigue. Although, usually, a concussion passes within a couple of hours, if the blow was very strong you may have symptoms for weeks. These include: Concentration and memory complaints, Irritability and other personality changes, Sensitivity to light and noise, Sleep disturbances, Psychological adjustment problems and depression, Disorders of taste and smell. It is important to be alert to these kinds of symptoms, and if they persist see a doctor immediately.
Strains, Sprains and sports injuries.
Sprain, strain or concussion.
What is concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head or body, a fall, or another injury that jars or shakes the brain inside the skull. (WebMD, 2014) A concussion may not be immediately apparent at first, and you don't always have lose consciousness to have a concussion either.
What are the symptoms of concussion?
The most common symptoms of a concussion are having a headache or a feeling of pressure in the head, Temporary loss of consciousness, Confusion or feeling as if in a fog, Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event. Dizziness or "seeing stars", Ringing in the ears, Nausea or vomiting, Slurred speech and Fatigue. Although, usually, a concussion passes within a couple of hours, if the blow was very strong you may have symptoms for weeks. These include: Concentration and memory complaints, Irritability and other personality changes, Sensitivity to light and noise, Sleep disturbances, Psychological adjustment problems and depression, Disorders of taste and smell. It is important to be alert to these kinds of symptoms, and if they persist see a doctor immediately.
How could you use a cold compress to help treat a head injury?
Applying a cold compress to the head decreases the swelling around the injury. It is recommended that you should ice the swollen area for 20-30 minutes every 2-4 hours as this helps to decrease the blood flow to the area. Ice decreases pain and also provides vasoconstriction (closing of small blood vessels from the contraction of muscular walls of vessels).
Applying a cold compress to the head decreases the swelling around the injury. It is recommended that you should ice the swollen area for 20-30 minutes every 2-4 hours as this helps to decrease the blood flow to the area. Ice decreases pain and also provides vasoconstriction (closing of small blood vessels from the contraction of muscular walls of vessels).
How can pain be managed for a head injury?
For a headache, give over-the-counter acetaminophen. Do not use aspirin, ibuprofen, or other anti-inflammatory drugs, which can increase the risk of bleeding. (WebMD, 2014) It is important to make sure you do not take any medication that will make your condition worse, and if unsure what to take go to your local chemist or doctor.
For a headache, give over-the-counter acetaminophen. Do not use aspirin, ibuprofen, or other anti-inflammatory drugs, which can increase the risk of bleeding. (WebMD, 2014) It is important to make sure you do not take any medication that will make your condition worse, and if unsure what to take go to your local chemist or doctor.