Head injuries, particularly traumatic brain injuries, are always a cause for concern. The effects of these injuries can take a long time to appear, sometimes as long as months, and they can be very significant. In fact, these injuries can lead to permanent disabilities, loss of quality of life, and even death. This is why it is important to be aware of head injury diagnosis, risk factors, and tests.
Head Injury Diagnosis, Risk Factors and Tests:
In the majority of cases, a head injury is a medical emergency. If left untreated, the condition of the patient can become worse very rapidly. As a result, the diagnosis and test must be done quickly as well. Generally, this is done through:
1. The Glasgow Come Scale
This is a test with 15 points that helps to determine how bad the injury is. The patient will be asked to move limbs and eyes, and speech coherence will also be monitored. The higher the score, the less severe is the injury.
2. The history of the injury
This is why it is very important for witnesses to a traumatic injury to come forward, particularly if the patient is unresponsive. Questions, such as how the injury happened, whether there was loss of consciousness and for how long, whether there were changes in the person, where the injury occurred, how strong was the effect, and whether the body was severely jarred or whipped around, are all very important to ask.
3. Imaging tests, such as the CT (computerized tomography) test
These are very important because they provide physicians with a picture of the brain. Brain hemorrhage and skull fractures can easily be spotted with these tests. The MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) test is equally important, although this is usually only provided once the patient has stabilized.
4. The intracranial pressure monitor
This is used when there is tissue swelling, which could damage the brain if the skull becomes compressed. With this monitor, a probe is inserted through the skull, so that pressure can be monitored.
In terms of head injury diagnosis, risk factors and tests, the risk factors are of crucial importance. There are three main categories of people who are classed as being an at-risk group of significant negative consequences as a result of a traumatic brain injury. They are:
Children up to the age of four
Young adults aged between 15 and 24
The elderly who are over 75
Furthermore, there are some risk factors contributing to the likelihood of traumatic brain injury that relate to activities. Those activities are the most common in the age group of between 15 and 24, which is actually why that group is classed as a risk factor. Two key activities in particular are looked for, which are:
1. Motorcyclists, who are always at a greater risk of head injuries, but particularly if they ride without a helmet.
2. Horse riders, who, similarly, should always wear a helmet if they ride.
Furthermore, engaging in certain sports, such as football, soccer, or boxing, increases the risk of head injuries. If you need more information on head injury diagnosis, risk factors and tests, consult with your physician.