# Head Trauma

#### <span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45);">**What is it?**</span>

##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Any damage to the scalp, skull, or brain caused by injury.</span>

#### <span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45);">**Plan of Action:**</span>

##### To give first aid to a person who has head trauma, **call 911 or your local emergency number.** 

##### <span style="text-decoration: underline;">**While waiting for emergency medical help to arrive:**</span>

- ##### **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.

##### <span style="text-decoration: underline;">**Any of the following symptoms may indicate a serious head injury:**</span>

- ##### 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
- ##### Not breathing
- ##### Confusion
- ##### Agitation
- ##### Loss of balance
- ##### Weakness or an inability to use an arm or leg
- ##### Unequal pupil size
- ##### Slurred speech
- ##### Seizures