Head injury Health Article

Do Not

• DO NOT wash a head wound that is deep or bleeding a lot.
• DO NOT remove any object sticking out of a wound.
• DO NOT move the person unless absolutely necessary.
• DO NOT shake the person if he or she seems dazed.
• DO NOT remove a helmet if you suspect a serious head injury.
• DO NOT pick up a fallen child with any sign of head injury.
• DO NOT drink alcohol within 48 hours of a serious head injury.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if

Call 911 if:

• There is severe head or facial bleeding.
• The person is confused, drowsy, lethargic, or unconscious.
• The person stops breathing.
• You suspect a serious head or neck injury or the person develops any symptoms of a serious head injury.

Prevention

• Always use safety equipment during activities that could result in head injury. These include seat belts, bicycle or motorcycle helmets, and hard hats.
• Obey traffic signals when riding a bicycle. Be predictable so that other drivers will be able to determine your course.
• Be visible. DO NOT ride a bicycle at night.
• Use age-appropriate car seats or boosters for babies and young children.
• Make sure that children have a safe area in which to play.
• Supervise children of any age.
• DO NOT drink and drive, and DO NOT allow yourself to be driven by someone who you know or suspect has been drinking alcohol.

References

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002.

DeLee JC, Drez, Jr., D, Miller MD, eds. DeLee and Drez’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2003.

Goetz CG, Pappert EJ. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2003:1130-1134.