A head injury is a broad term that describes a vast array of
injuries that occur to the scalp, skull, brain, and underlying
tissue and blood vessels in the head. Head injuries are also
commonly referred to as brain injury, or traumatic brain
injury(TBI),dependingon theextentoftheheadtrauma.
Introduction
Elective
collection, or clotting, of
blood outside the blood
vessels.
Hematoma
Types of head injuries
uncontrolled bleeding.
Hemorrhage
a mild traumatic brain
injury that results from a
bump, violent jolt or blow
to head that disrupts
normal brain function.
Concussion
It is bruising of brain tissue.
More severe than a concussion.
Cerebral Contusion
Elective
Any brain injury can lead
to edema, or swelling.
Edema
Types of head injuries
A broken skull bone
can affect the brain.
Skull fracture
An injury to the brain that doesn’t
cause bleeding but does damage
the brain cells.
Diffuse axonal injury
Elective
Symptoms of a mild head injury
Some bleeding
Bruising
A mild headache
Feeling sick or nauseated
Mild dizziness
Elective
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Symptoms of a moderate head injury
Passing out for a short time.
Confusion or distraction.
Vomiting.
A lasting headache.
Temporary changes in behavior.
Elective
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Memory problems.
6.
Loss of balance.
7.
Symptoms of a severe head injury
loss of consciousness.
Seizures.
Vomiting.
Balance problems.
Serious disorientation.
Elective
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
loss of muscle control.
6.
Memory loss.
7.
Leaking of fluid from ear or nose.
8.
Most people who have had a significant
brain injury will require rehabilitation.
They may need to relearn basic skills,
such as walking or talking. The goal is to
improvetheirabilitiestoperformdaily
Medical Management of Head Injury
Elective
Rehabilitation
1. Maintainingtheairwaypatency(ABC).
2. Monitoring neurologic status (level of
consciousness, vital signs and Glasgow
comascale).
3. Maintain ICP monitoring, as indicated,
andreportabnormalities.
4. Monitoring fluidandelectrolytebalance
Nursing Intervention for Head Injury
Elective
5.Promoting adequatenutrition.
6. Preventing injury (bed sore). Turn the
patient every 2 hours and
encourage coughing and deep
breathing.
7.Maintainingbody temperature.
8. Improving coping (supporting family
coping)
Nursing Intervention for Head Injury
Elective
9. Provide enteral feedings after bowel sounds have returned if
thepatientisunabletoswallow.
10. Elevate the head of the bed after feedings, and check
residualstopreventaspiration.
11.Suctionthepatientasneeded.
12.Administermedicationasordered.
13.Monitoringandmanagingpotentialcomplications.
Nursing Intervention for Head Injury
Elective