Show
The brain is a soft and delicate organ. A hard blow to the head can injure the brain or spinal cord even when there are no visible signs of trauma to the scalp or face. That’s why all head injuries are considered serious and should be assessed by your doctor or the nearest hospital emergency department. Always call triple zero (000) for an ambulance in an emergency. Head injuries can be classified as: • open – with bleeding wounds to the face or head The soft, jelly-like brain is protected by the skull. The brain doesn’t fill the skull entirely – it floats in a clear, nourishing liquid called cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid acts as a shock absorber, but its protective value is limited. The kinetic energy of a small knock to the head or face can be absorbed by the cerebrospinal fluid, but a hard impact can bruise the brain or tear blood vessels. If this occurs, it may cause a rise in the intracranial pressure (pressure inside the skull) which may lead to permanent damage. Being able to see blood is not a reliable indicator of the seriousness of a head injury. Apart from wounds, other symptoms of serious head injury can include:
In cases where there is a serious head injury, always call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. First aid when the injured person is conscious
First aid when the injured person is unconscious
Treatment of concussionConcussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that follows some trauma to the head. It is a diagnosis made by a doctor when it is certain a more serious head injury has not occurred. Symptoms of concussion can persist for up to 3 months or longer after trauma. Your doctor or hospital will provide advice for you and your family regarding your ongoing care when being discharged for home. Most importantly, be alert for symptoms over the first 3 days days, such as repeated vomiting, loss of coordination, bad or worsening headaches, repetitive questions, agitation or drowsiness despite analgesia (pain-relieving medication). Seek medical attention immediately. Spinal injuriesA person who has sustained a head injury may have also injured their spine. In elderly people, the force required to cause neck injuries is much less than in younger people. It can even occur from a standing height fall in the elderly. Signs and symptoms of spinal injuries may include:
Spinal injury first aidIn cases where there is a spinal injury, always call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. It is important to keep the injured person’s head in line with their neck.
Don’t try to move them unless there is an urgent need to. Toddlers fall over all the time. Parents should note that:
Medical attention should be sought immediately if the child shows any signs of serious head injury, particularly if:
Examples of a heavy fall are:
If in doubt, see your doctor. Where to get helpThis page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. |