Injuries to the head can cause damage to the skull, scalp, or brain.
The brain rests inside the skull protected by a cushion of soft tissue called the meninges.
There are several different types of head injuries, and it’s important to learn the signs.
Caiaimage / Trevor Adeline / Getty Images
If skull fracture is suspected,call 911 immediately.
The increased pressure causes more damage to the brain, which causes more swelling, and so on.
Support the victim’s head in the position you found it.
Bones of the spine (vertebra) can be injured from movement of the head during trauma.
Vomiting can lead to problems with the victim’s airway.
It is a myth thatclosed head injury victims should be kept awake.
2018;21(3):152-155. doi: 10.1016/j.cjtee.2018.01.004
American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Traumatic Brain Injury.
2017;63(6):460-466.
2018;10(8).
2019;19(7):679-694. doi:10.1080/14737175.2019.1623671
Freeman WD.Management of intracranial pressure.CONTINUUM: Lifelong Learning in Neurology.
2018;11(1):25. doi: 10.4103/JETS.JETS_112_17
National Library of Medicine MedlinePlus.Traumatic Brain Injury.
2014;13(8):844-854. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(14)70120-6