HEAD INJURY

WHAT IS HEAD INJURY?

Is a trauma to the skull resulting in mild to extensive damage to the brain.

What are the Causes? Fall Driving accidents (motor /vehicle

crashes? Gun shots(penetrating head injury)

What are the signs & symptoms?

vomiting, difficulty tolerating bright lights, leaking CSF from the ear or nose, bleeding from the ear , speech difficulty, paralysis, difficulty swallowing, and numbness of the body. nausea, dizziness, irritability, difficulty concentrating and thinking,

and amnesia.

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS?

Cerebral bleedingHematomasUncontrolled increase of ICPInfectionsSeizuresPersonality & Behaviour

changes

Subarachnoid hemorrhage

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF HEAD INJURIES?

1. Open2. Closed

Scalp laceration

Fracture in the skull

Scalp laceration

-Thick subarachnoid hemorrhage more in the Left frontoparietal sulci

-Contusion hematoma at Left frontal Lobe and Left Temporal lobe

WHAT ARE THE INTERVENTIONS NEEDED?

1. Monitor respiratory status and maintain patent airway

2. Monitor neurological status V/S particularly the temperature3. Maintain head elevation4. Monitor for pain and restlessness5. Avoid Morphine sulfate

6. Monitor for drainage *what will you do if you note for drainage?7. Instruct client to avoid coughing. *why?

*What is the surgical procedure that could be done for head injured patients?

-CRANIOTOMY

POST-OPERATIVE CARE MANAGEMENT Monitor V/S and neurological status. Monitor for increase ICP. Provide a quite environment. Monitor the dressing frequently for signs

of drainage Record strict measurement of hourly I&O