Navigation
Knowledge
30
Head injuries can be deceptive: find out how you can protect yourself, what to look out for in an emergency and how to react correctly. A bump on the head and a headache after a collision during a sporting activity – most likely everyone has experienced this at one time or other. However, probably very few people consult a doctor as a result. So when should a person who has suffered a head injury go to the doctor or call out the piste rescue service or Rega? What is traumatic brain injury, and why is it so dangerous, indeed even deceptive? And last but not least: how can I prevent this injury?
severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) every year. Around 1,250 patients with brain injuries receive emergency medical care by Rega crews and are subsequently flown to hospital. Wide range of symptoms
Depending on the extent and location of the damage, traumatic brain injury can be accompanied by a variety of symptoms, which often manifest themselves some time after the incident. Typical symptoms are severe headache, dizziness, nausea,
Risk of traumatic brain injury
Traumatic brain injury – that is, an injury to the head that also disrupts normal brain function – is mostly caused by falls or by traffic, sports or occupational accidents. According to figures published by the Swiss national accident insurance company, Suva, approximately 1,900 people suffer
Rega tip
“A helmet only provides optimal protection if it is undamaged and fits properly.”
c onfusion and disorientation. In add ition, there may be vomiting, memory problems, or vision, movement or speech disorders. Even short-term (lasting anything from a few seconds to minutes) or long-lasting unconsciousness is possible. When should I raise the alarm?
Particular attention should be paid to infants and toddlers: if, after a head injury, the child behaves differently than normal, is confused, sleepy, does not want to drink or does not move their limbs, a TBI must be taken into consideration. If any of the symptoms described above occur, it is advisable to request professional medical help and, for example, to call out Rega. For in such cases, rapid action and gentle transport is required – and the Rega helicopter is often the rescue means of choice.
