HEAD INJURY, CEREBRAL CONTUSION |
|
General Information
DEFINITION--Bruising of the brain following a blow. Contusions cause bleeding from ruptured small capillaries that allow blood to infiltrate brain tissue.
BODY PARTS INVOLVED
Brain.
Skin, subcutaneous tissue, blood vessels (both large vessels and capillaries), periosteum (the outside lining of the skull), muscles of the scalp and connective tissue.
{196}
SIGNS & SYMPTOMSDepends on the extent of injury. The presence or absence of swelling at the injury site is not related to the seriousness of injury. Signs and symptoms include any or all of the following:
Drowsiness or confusion.
Vomiting and nausea.
Blurred vision.
Pupils of different size.
Loss of consciousness--either temporarily or for long periods.
Amnesia or memory lapses.
Irritability.
Headache.
Bleeding of the scalp, if the skin is broken.
CAUSESDirect blow to the head, usually from a blunt object.
RISK INCREASES WITH
Contact sports such as boxing, football or wrestling.
Auto, motorcycle or bike racing.
HOW TO PREVENTWear a protective helmet for any activity at risk for a head injury.
WHAT TO EXPECT
APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE
Doctor's diagnosis and care.
Hospitalization for a serious brain contusion.
Home care if the initial evaluation doesn't dictate hospitalization.
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Physical exam and medical history by a doctor. The total extent of injury may not be apparent for 48 to 72 hours.
X-rays of the head and neck to assess total injury to soft tissue and to rule out the possibility of a skull fracture.
CAT scan (See Glossary) of the head.
Laboratory studies of blood and cerebrospinal fluid.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Permanent brain damage, depending on the extent of injury.
Excessive cerebral bleeding, causing a clot that puts pressure on the brain.
Prolonged healing time if vigorous activities are resumed too soon.
Infection if skin over the contusion site is broken.
PROBABLE OUTCOMEComplete recovery is likely with early diagnosis and treatment. Complications can be life-threatening or cause permanent brain damage.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
FIRST AID
Ice helps stop internal bleeding. Prepare an ice pack of ice cubes or chips wrapped in plastic or in a container. Place a towel over the injured area to prevent skin damage. Apply ice for 20 minutes, then rest 10 minutes. Repeat applications for 24 to 48 hours after injury.
Elevate the head above the level of the heart to reduce swelling and prevent accumulation of fluid.
CONTINUING CAREThe extent of injury can be determined only with careful examination and observation. After a doctor's examination, the injured person may be sent home, but a responsible person must stay with the person and watch for serious symptoms. The first 24 hours after injury are critical, although serious aftereffects can appear later. If you are watching the patient, awaken him or her every hour for 24 hours. Report to the doctor immediately if you can't awaken or arouse the person. Report also any of the following:
Vomiting.
Inability to move the arms and legs equally well on both sides.
Temperature above 100F (37.8C).
Stiff neck.
Pupils of unequal size or shape.
Convulsions.
Noticeable restlessness.
Severe headache that persists longer than 4 hours after injury.
Confusion.
MEDICATION
Don't use any medicine--including non-prescription acetaminophen or aspirin -- until the extent of injury is certain.
ACTIVITYBed rest is necessary until the doctor determines the danger of brain injury is over. Normal activity may then be resumed as symptoms improve.
DIETA full liquid diet should be followed until the danger passes.
REHABILITATIONRehabilitation exercises must be individualized. Follow your doctor's or surgeon's directions.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have had a head injury and develop symptoms of a contusion, or you observe the signs and symptoms in someone else.
|
|
|
|
Dserun mollit anim id est laborum. Lorem ipsum and sunt in culpa qui officias deserunt mollit. Excepteur plus sint occaecat the best cupidatat nonr proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. September 24, 2004
