Any damage to the scalp, skull, or brain caused by injury.
Plan of Action:
To give first aid to a person who has head trauma, call 911 or your local emergency number.
While waiting for emergency medical help to arrive:
Keep the person still. The injured person should lie down with the head and shoulders slightly elevated. Don't move the person unless necessary. Avoid moving the person's neck. If the person is wearing a helmet, don't remove it.
Stop any bleeding. Apply firm pressure to the wound with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. But don't apply direct pressure to the wound if you suspect a skull fracture.
Watch for changes in breathing and alertness. If the person shows no signs of circulation — no breathing, coughing or movement — begin CPR.
Head trauma that results in concussion symptoms need to be evaluated by a medical professional. Concussion symptoms include nausea, unsteadiness, headaches or difficulty concentrating.
Any of the following symptoms may indicate a serious head injury:
Severe head or facial bleeding
Bleeding or fluid leakage from the nose or ears
Vomiting
Severe headache
Change in consciousness for more than a few seconds
Black-and-blue discoloration below the eyes or behind the ears
