3 Ways to Treat Head Wounds

1. Take Precautions

If you are present at the time of the accident or injury, do your best to immobilize the victim. If the person is unconscious, don't move the body. Call 911 immediately. If the injured person is in obvious danger and must be moved right away, try to immobilize the head to prevent the neck and spine from shifting positions and causing further injury. If the person is awake and can stand on his own, help him move to a quiet, dark location, where you can examine the wound closely. Ask the person some basic questions, such as his name and what day it is, so you can determine his state of mind and whether he's disoriented or experiencing memory loss.

2. Clean the Wound Right Away

Brush away debris or dirt, and then wash the wound with soapy water. If there is bleeding, quickly determine the seriousness. For a small cut, basic first aid care should be enough. Profuse bleeding usually indicates an open wound, which always requires medical intervention. If there is an object embedded in the site of the injury, don't try to remove it.

3. Rush to the Emergency Room

If you suspect a serious wound or if the victim is showing unusual symptoms, either physical or behavioral, medical assistance may be needed. A doctor will determine whether the victim needs surgery (to remove an object, close the wound or relieve pressure on the brain), medication (to prevent seizures) or additional tests. If a CT scan determines that there is internal bruising or fluid accumulation, a tube may be inserted to remove it and alleviate the pressure against the skull.

In the case of serious wounds, hospitalization and post-operative care or rehabilitative therapy may be necessary. Most people recover well after a head wound, but others may need intensive or long-term care in order to deal with the symptoms and consequences of the injury, especially as it relates to memory, vision or hearing problems.