Head Injury & Concussion

Head Injuries & Concussions

Many head injuries are pretty minor and cause little more than a headache. However, head injuries can be quite serious, especially in cases of disasters when items get thrown around.

If the person who has suffered from a head injury has any of the following symptoms, then something more serious could be going on. Head injuries are no laughing matter and can prove fatal if left untreated. If the patient has any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

• severe bleeding of the head or face
• blood or other fluids leaking from the nose or ears
• severe headache
• confusion
• changes in levels of consciousness
• discoloration behind the ears or below the eyes (black and blue)
• loss in balance
• pupils become unequal in size
• slurred speech
• weakness or unable to use a leg or an arm
• seizures

If a head injury causes any of these symptoms, it’s really important that you keep the person completely still and quiet, possibly lying down on the ground with the head and shoulders elevated slightly. Stop any bleeding if possible and be alert to changes in condition.