Head, Spinal, and Pelvic Injuries PDF

HEAD, SPINAL AND PELVIC INJURIES BY: IGNATIUS CHAN REF: CHAPTER 5 HEAD, SPINAL AND PELVIC INJURIES As a general rule, it is important to rule out head and spinal injuries in any trauma, so always support the head when you begin an assessment!...

HEAD, SPINAL AND PELVIC INJURIES BY: IGNATIUS CHAN REF: CHAPTER 5 HEAD, SPINAL AND PELVIC INJURIES As a general rule, it is important to rule out head and spinal injuries in any trauma, so always support the head when you begin an assessment! Get immediate help for head and spinal injuries Head and spinal tend to occur together, and can lead to lifelong disabilities HEAD, SPINAL AND PELVIC INJURIES ALWAYS ASSUME THAT ANY SERIOUS HEAD INJURY WILL HAVE AN INJURY TO THE CERVICAL SPINE (NECK) With any head injury, the priority is to provide SPINAL MOTION RESTRICTION (SMR) Natasha Richardson  HEAD, SPINAL AND PELVIC INJURIES 3 main types of head injury: - Compression - Concussion - Skull fractures The injury may be only a minor bump on the skull or a serious brain injury. Extra attention should be brought to monitoring the patient’s LEVEL OF CONSCIOUSNESS. HEAD, SPINAL AND PELVIC INJURIES 3 main types of head injury: - Compression - Concussion - Skull fractures S/S: Intense headache Paralysis or weakness Nausea and vomiting Pupil changes Drowsiness Change in behaviour/personality HEAD, SPINAL AND PELVIC INJURIES 3 main types of head injury: - Compression - Concussion - Skull fractures Using a penlight PERRLA HEAD, SPINAL AND PELVIC INJURIES 3 main types of head injury: - Compression - Concussion Video concussion - Skull fractures What is CSF? Does a person need to lose consciousness to have a concussion? HEAD, SPINAL AND PELVIC INJURIES S/S: IMMEDIATE DELAYED Temporary loss of consciousness Thinking and memory affected Headache and blurred vision Headaches, sensitivity to light or noise Confusion Change in behaviour, depression Nausea/vomiting Change in sleep patterns Dizziness, balance problems HEAD, SPINAL AND PELVIC INJURIES 3 main types of head injury: TYPES of skull fractures: - Compression Simple fracture (closed) - Concussion Compound (open) - Skull fractures Depressed fracture Facial fractures may be caused by incidents involving significant force HEAD, SPINAL AND PELVIC INJURIES Signs and Symptoms of Skull Fractures: Confusion, restlessness and irritability Bleeding from wounds (ears, nose or around eyes) Headache Drowsiness, loss of consciousness Nausea or vomiting Lefort? Battle’s sign? Raccoon eyes? HEAD, SPINAL AND PELVIC INJURIES HEAD, SPINAL AND PELVIC INJURIES HEAD, SPINAL AND PELVIC INJURIES Raccoon Eyes sign  HEAD, SPINAL AND PELVIC INJURIES First aid: Head or spinal immobilization. Remember to rest elbows on ground for better stability. Ensure the airway is not compromised. Remove any broken teeth, including loose dentures/dental appliances. HEAD, SPINAL AND PELVIC INJURIES Leakage of cerebral spinal fluid and /or blood from the ears/nose – do not apply pressure; gently cover the ear/nose with a dressing and bandage. Check for soft spots – if there are soft or unstable spots in the skull, avoid putting pressure on these sites. If there is bleeding, apply a dressing with indirect pressure. You do not want to drive sharp bone ends or debris into the brain. HEAD, SPINAL AND PELVIC INJURIES Spheres of orientation 1) _______________ 2) _______________ 3) _______________ HEAD, SPINAL AND PELVIC INJURIES Definition of a Spinal Injury A spinal injury is any trauma to the spine Any fractures facial bone or facial bone can lead to an airway compromise. HEAD, SPINAL AND PELVIC INJURIES Causes of Spinal Injuries Signs and Symptoms of a Spinal Injury: Motor vehicle collisions Loss of movement (in limbs) Diving Loss of bladder and bowel control Falling Change in sensation of limbs Blunt trauma to the head, face, neck or back Breathing can be impaired Any trauma where the force of impact may be Pressure or pain in neck or spine transmitted to the spine All-terrain vehicles (ATV) accidents LOG ROLLING HEAD, SPINAL AND PELVIC INJURIES Pelvis injury = hip injury? HEAD, SPINAL AND PELVIC INJURIES Signs and symptoms Pain in pelvic region Unable to stand/walk Incontinence Blood in urine Legs splayed apart  HEAD, SPINAL AND PELVIC INJURIES Once you’ve determined there is a spinal injury, DO NOT MOVE THE PATIENT