Head Injuries 2: COMPRESSION

Cerebral compression is a build up
of pressure on the brain.

Cerebral compression is the condition when there is a build up of pressure pushing on the brain. This can be caused by bleeding in the skull or swelling of the brain tissue after a head injury. It can also occur as the result of an infection (eg. meningitis), stroke or brain tumour. Cerebral compression is a very serious condition and you must get help quickly.

Recognition:

• Probably (but not always) a history of head injury.
• Deteriorating level of response - casualty may become unconscious.
  

Possibly:

• Intense headache.
• Noisy breathing, becoming slow.
• Slow, yet full and strong pulse.
• Unequal pupil size.
• Weakness or paralysis down one side of the face or body.
• High temperature and flushed appearance.
• Drowsiness.
• Change of personality such as irritability or confusion.
  

Aim:

• Get urgent medical attention for the casualty

Treatment:

• Dial for an ambulance immediately.
• Monitor the casualty's level of responsiveness, breathing and pulse.
  
• Open and maintain the casualty's airway if necessary.
• Be prepared to give resuscitation if the casualty stops breathing.

DO NOT allow the casualty to eat, drink or smoke.

COMPRESSION NEEDS URGENT MEDICAL ATTENTION - SUMMON HELP IMMEDIATELY.