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applying an ice pack wrapped in a moist cloth up to 20 minutes. Avoid any pressure
on the eye itself. Since bruising around the eyes can be a sign of brain injury or
even skull fracture, other symptoms of head injury must be evaluated carefully. If
there is bleeding within the eye, it can result in permanent damage to vision. Seek
emergency medical care if there is bleeding in the eye or from the nose, vision
problems, or other signs of head injury.
Trauma to the nose is usually caused by blunt injury. Consider the mechanism of
injury and a possible brain or cervical spine injury. Cervical spine immobilization may
be necessary. Control bleeding as necessary. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a moist
cloth to reduce swelling.
Consider a facial fracture if there is irregularity in the contours of the facial bones,
pain on palpation, or diplopia (double vision). Seek emergency medical care to
determine if the victim has sustained a fracture. Be observant for possible brain or
cervical spine injury. Cervical spine immobilization may be necessary. Control
bleeding as needed. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a moist cloth to reduce swelling.
With any external head injury, it is important to observe carefully for signs of internal
head injury. If the victim shows any changes in mental ability, behavior or physical
skills, or has a headache or vomiting, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Internal Head Injuries95,96,97,98,99
Any head injury that causes a period of unconsciousness indicates at least a
concussion, and maybe even a more severe injury.
A concussion is defined as a bruise to the brain, and may or may not include a
temporary loss of consciousness or amnesia of the period surrounding the injury.
The person with a concussion will sometimes repeat the same question to the
rescuer over and over again. A concussion is caused by a violent jolt (e.g. whiplash,
roller coaster) or blow to the head (e.g. a fall with the head striking an object, or a
moving object striking the head). A concussion is usually not life threatening, but
can have serious effects. The signs and symptoms may appear gradually and can
last for weeks. Early symptoms may be overlooked by the victim, family and friends.
There could be bleeding in or around the brain, or swelling of brain tissue. Although
a person who has had a concussion will usually make a full recovery, it is important
to watch closely for signs and symptoms of further brain injury (see below). A
physician should evaluate anyone who has suffered a loss of consciousness or
received a significant head injury. The physician may ask you to wake the person
during the night to make sure there are no further signs of a brain injury. If the
person displays signs or symptoms of brain injury, it is a medical emergency.
Activate EMS (call 9-1-1).
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