What is it about ?
A brain contusion is damage to the brain caused by hitting the head. The brain is injured and it may start to bleed or swell (cerebral edema). The pressure then increases in the brain.
How to recognize it?
After a trauma, the victim has been unconscious for at least several minutes and does not remember anything that happened until an hour before the trauma (memory loss). She may be confused, have seizures, be paralyzed in half of her body, have trouble speaking, or have different sized pupils.
The less the victim is conscious and the longer his state of unconsciousness, the more serious the cerebral contusion.
How is the diagnosis made?
A person suspected of having a brain contusion is immediately transferred to the hospital. The doctor will examine the patient’s state of consciousness and perform a neurological examination. A CT scan or MRI can visualize the precise location of the brain contusion and its severity.
What can you do ?
A person with a head trauma may also have damage to the vertebrae of the neck. It is therefore very important to immobilize the head and neck.
Call emergencies on 112 and stay with the victim until emergency services arrive.
What can your doctor do?
A person with a cerebral contusion whose consciousness is low or who is unconscious should be closely monitored in intensive care at the hospital. In the acute phase, which lasts 4 to 5 days, the pressure in the brain may increase.
If the pressure increases, the headboard is raised slightly and certain products are given to control it. In extreme cases, a surgical intervention can lower the pressure by cutting the skull? This leaves some space for the brain. This intervention is very rarely necessary.
In case of severe brain contusion, anti-epileptic drugs can prevent seizures.
The person should be followed for 3 to 4 weeks.
A mild brain contusion gradually heals and allows normal recovery and a return to normal daily life.
In the event of prolonged loss of consciousness, the risks of permanent disorders are greater. It can be a question of physical, emotional, on the level of the memory,… A program of adapted rehabilitation is then necessary.
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