HEAD INJURY: CONCUSSION

based on First Aid Manual 7th Edn. Updated 1999    pages 113 & 271

Introduction                                                             

Any injury to a casualty's head can have very serious consequences, which will almost certainly require proper checking. This is especially true if the casualty is not fully conscious.

Do not be fooled into thinking that just because there is no obvious injury (such as a wound), that there is no serious damage within the skull.

It will also be obvious that a casualty who is not fully conscious may not give you complete and accurate information.

The blow to the head does not need to be directly to the skull; the brain is still jolted if a blow is struck to the jaw or the casualty lands on their feet following a fall.

First Aiders are reminded that head injuries are not the only reason why a casualty may not be fully conscious.

It is also vital to consider the possibility of a neck injury in any case of injury to the head.

CONCUSSION

Introduction

After the head has had a forceful blow applied to it, the brain can be given a shake within the skull, as there is a small amount of space allowing the brain to move very slightly.

This may cause CONCUSSION.

Concussion is when the brain has been shaken, and following a brief period of unconsciousness, the recovery is complete.

Recognising concussion

• Following a blow to the head, a brief loss of consciousness or reduction in conscious level.

Other recognition features

• A feeling of sickness or dizziness when the casualty recovers.

• The casualty's memory just before the blow to the head, may be lost.

• The casualty's memory during the event, may be uncertain.

• The casualty may have a mild headache.

Care

An unconscious casualty must be placed in the recovery position.

Every 10 minutes their breathing, pulse and level of response must be measured, recorded. Pass these onto the ambulance crew.

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If the casualty is a child

or

a casualty who has been unconscious for over three minutes *

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Dial 999 for an ambulance

q

If an adult casualty regains their consciousness within three minutes, watch them closely for any reduction in their level of response *

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The casualty should be placed into the care of a "responsible person" to whom you have spoken to and told them what to watch out for 

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(

Call their doctor

if their headache continues (or worsens), feels sick or gets tired

Further Reading Opportunities

Please note that First Aid Training offers these items to deepen your knowledge 

Please evaluate the information for yourself.  How?

Woodrow P (2000)  Head Injuries: acute care.  Nursing Standard. 14, 35, 37-44

External Internet Link/s

Please note that First Aid Training has no control over the content or accuracy of the site/s listed. 

Please evaluate the information for yourself.  How?

The Merck Manual

BBC Health Guide