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Head and Spinal Injuries

Head and Spinal Injuries

These types of injuries are often related to one another. If a head injury is possible, a
spinal injury should also be suspected, and vice versa.

Head injuries can be suspected with unwitnessed collapses as the patient may have
sustained an injury as a result of the fall from a standing position.

Again, determination of the mechanism of injury can be useful in assessing the po-
tential for a head or spinal injury.

A common head injury is a concussion, which is a jarring of the brain usually as the
result of a direct blow to the head. A person who has experienced a blow to the head,
consistent with concussion, should be encouraged to discontinue activity and seek
medical aid. (refer to pages 103-104)

Bleeding from the ear or nose as the result of trauma to the head may indicate a more
serious injury. This bleeding should be controlled by loosely covering the fluid with
a sterile dressing to prevent contamination of the area. Pressure should not be ap-
plied.
Recognition

• Episodes of unconsciousness • Loss of feeling below the site of the
• Disorientation and confusion injury
• Inability to recall event • Numbness or tingling sensation
• Nausea or vomiting • Weakness or paralysis of extremities
• Drowsiness or dizziness • Bleeding from the head
• Changes in pupil size • Deformity of the skull
• Discharge of fluid from the ears or
nose

Key Concept

In a suspected cervical spine injury, it is recommended to manually support the
person's head in a position limiting angular movement until more advanced care
arrives. Cervical collars are not recommended.

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