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Head Injury:
A medical emergency

HISTORY

Minor head trauma can lead to CNS bleeding.

Unrecognised trauma is common in children.

"Spontaneous" bleeds can occur.

Toddlers and young children are prone to head injury.

 

SYMPTOMS
AND SIGNS

(Onset may be delayed)

Headache

Vomiting

Irritability/confusion

Lethargy/drowsiness

Vision disturbance

Focal neurologic deficits

Ataxia

Any of these, with or without a history of trauma, is highly suggestive of CNS bleeding. These are late features secondary to mass effect or brain irritation.

NB -- symptoms may mimic a viral infection.

TREATMENT

1. Urgent factor replacement - measure level and maintain above 50%

--see:

Haemophilia A
(Click to access)

Haemophilia B
(Click to access)

2. CT scan of head

3. Call Haemophilia Centre

 If in doubt - TREAT

Factor replacement for possible subarachoid bleeding is indicated even with a normal CT scan.

For proven intracranial bleeding treatment is required for 10 to 14 days.