Injury of the month: The Head

Hi, Brewers! I understand that not everyone is concerned about being injured during the game as I am. Maybe it's because I am the clumsiest person alive, or maybe it's because I spent 5 yrs of my life doing nothing other than teaching American Red Cross CPR & First Aid -- in any event, I think it's important for all of us to have enough information to make our own personal decisions about our health and the health of our teammates. In light of last night's game, I thought I'd pass on some information, courtesy of Mayo Clinc and the Brain Injury Center. : )


...That raises this often perplexing question: "When should a head injury involve a trip to the emergency room?”
Steps to take: For anything other than the most superficial injury, at least call the doctor, observe the victim carefully and report all symptoms. Such symptoms include: sleeping more than usual, or becomes difficult to wake up, clear fluid or blood coming from the nose, ears or mouth.
Additional symptoms to report include: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, vacant or dazed expression, loss of consciousness, seizures, lethargy, irritability, swelling, bruising, bleeding and memory loss may be signs of a serious problem. Most such symptoms surface within 36 hours.
Ask the doctor what to do if the victim's symptoms change, and, ask where the doctor can be reached during the next 36 hours.

The emergency number "911" should be called and the victim should be kept warm if he or she:
1. Is unconscious. 2. Has an arm or leg in an unusual position. 3. Complains of neck or back pain.
When to see a doctorWhile most concussions get better on their own, some blows to the head can cause more-serious injuries.

Seek medical advice if you have any of the following symptoms:
Prolonged headache or dizziness
Vision or eye disturbances, including pupils that are bigger than normal (dilated pupils) or pupils of unequal sizes
Nausea or vomiting
Impaired balance
Prolonged memory loss
Ringing in the ears
Loss of smell or taste