Head injuries may cause loss of consciousness, bleeding, neck or spinal injury, damage to the brain, eyes, ears, teeth, airways and mouth, or other structures. A severe blow may cause unconsciousness, however a casualty may sustain a significant head injury without loss of consciousness, or loss of memory (amnesia), Severe trauma and injuries may lead to death or permanent brain damage.

Signs and symptoms

Specific to concussion: (caused by trauma to the head)

• Headache or dizziness

• Loss of memory, particularly of the event

• Confusion

• Altered state of consciousness

• Wounds on the head (face and scalp)

• Nausea and vomiting

Other head injury symptoms

• Drowsy or vague

• Agitated or irritable

• Lack of coordination

• Speech problems

• Headache or giddiness

First aid

• Always seek further medical assistance after loss of consciousness or altered consciousness, no matter how brief. Follow ABCD protocol. Conscious head injury

• A thorough assessment to rule out cervical or spinal damage

• If no spinal injury is found, keep the casualty lying down at rest

• Check carefully the neck, eyes and ears, and if bleeding from an ear, turn the casualty with the injured side facing down to aid the draining process

• Control bleeding and treat wounds as required