Head Trauma

• Concussions


  Is jarring of the brain against the skull. There is transient period of unconsciousness.
• Contusion


  There is bruising or extravasation of blood cells.
• Coup - Contrecoup injury is often noted in contusion (the brain moves inside the skull due to high energy or high impact injury mechanisms).
• Coup - contusions or lacerations occur both at the site of the direct impact of the brain on the skull.
• Contrecoup - occurs at a secondary area of damage on the opposite side away from the injury.
• Laceration


  Tearing of tissues caused by a sharp object.
• Signs of Basilar Head Injury

  • CSF leak from ears (otorrhea) and nose (rhinorrhea).
  • Battle's sign (hematoma at the mastoid process/ behind the ear).
  • Raccoon eyes (periorbital ecchymosis)
  • Halo or ring sign - if blood is present, collect leaking fluid with white pad (4x4 gauze) - yellowish ring encircles the blood if CSF is present.

  Monitor the drainage from ears and nose. Test the fluid for glucose; CSF is positive for glucose.