Debrief - Head injury
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Assessment and Management of Head Injuries
Introduction
Overview: Triaging head injuries requires careful assessment based on established guidelines.
Key Considerations in Head Injury Assessment
Loss of Consciousness: It's crucial to determine if there has been any loss of consciousness.
- Loss of consciousness can indicate severity of head injury.
- Assess whether the patient fell with arms outstretched or not.
Confusion and Alcohol Consumption: Confusion may stem from alcohol or head injury; check blood sugar levels if in doubt.
Physical Examination Protocols
Neck and Spinal Assessment: If the patient lost consciousness, assess for C-spine tenderness and immobilise accordingly.
- Important to prevent further injury to the neck.
Facial and Dental Trauma: Check for injuries around the lower face and dental trauma.
- Inspect for bleeding, swelling, or airway obstruction.
- Palpate facial bones for tenderness or bogginess.
Conclusion
Final Assessment: Always conduct a thorough examination to rule out serious underlying injuries.