Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

8 Muscle, Bone and Joint Injuries

Types of Head/Brain Injury

Head Injury Head injury is always of particular concern due to the possibility of brain injury. Even minor injury can impair normal brain function. Injuries to the head include fractures of the skull, face, and jaw bones and unconsciousness or an altered level of consciousness. Fractures at the base of the skull can involve injury to the cervical spine (the neck). Any patient that is unconscious or has a suspected head injury must be suspected of a neck injury also. concussion or compression of the brain. These injuries are often complicated by

Epidural Hematoma

Subdural Hematoma

Intercerebral Hemorrhage

The three coverings of the brain otherwise known as the meninges act as a “PAD” that protects the brain. Starting from the brain working outwards towards the skull are the Pia, Arachnoid and Dura mater. Trauma to the head can result in hematomas or hemorrhage on top of (epi) or below (sub) these meninges.

Any injury to the head is a brain injury until proven otherwise. Any altered LOC or loss of consciousness must be assessed by a physician.

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