Concussion

A severe fall or blow to the head or face can shake the brain and cause concussion.

Signs and symptoms

• pale, clummy skin
• shallow breathing
• nausea, vomiting
• dizziness
• loss of consciousness, sometimes only momentary.
• loss of memory of events preceding the accident
• double vision
• headache
• SHOCK

First aid treatment

1. Lay the casualty in a comfortable position. Do not offer any food or drink.
2. Give first aid for BLEEDING or wounds. Apply a cold compress to any scalp swelling.
3. Watch for worsening of the injured person's condition.
4. If the person loses consciousness, place in the lateral position, check the airway, breathing and pulse and begin expired air resuscitation (EAR) or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary. Send for medical aid.

Warning

Anyone who has lost consciouness (even if only briefly) because of a blow to the head should see a doctor, for a thorough check. Even a minor head injury can sometime damage blood vessels within the skull and result in subdural haematoma, which may not cause symptoms for days or weeks after the injury but may eventually cause serious brain damage or death. If any symptoms develop (headache, drowsiness, confusion, visual changes or unexplained vomiting, for example), seek medical care urgently.