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Head TraumaHead trauma is injury to the head from any cause. An important distinction is between blunt and sharp trauma. Immediate assessment is by checking the level of conciousness and the Glasgow Coma Scale, as well as monitoring the GCS over time and observing the pupillary reflexes. Assessments of the neurological system are vital in cases of head trauma. Brain injury can be at the site of impact, but can also be at the opposite side of the skull due to a contrecoup effect. Specific problems after head injury include: An important predictor of prognosis is whether there has been loss of conciousness, vomiting or any neurological deficit (e.g. weakness in a limb). Combinations of these may warrant early CT scanning and neurosurgical intervention. In those with mild trauma, home discharge is often possible. Frequently, the advice is given to rouse the patient several times during the next 12-24 hours to assess for worsening symptoms.
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