The Management of Head Injuries

Although head injury is common and can have serious consequences for the patient, its initial assessment is usually carried out by non-specialists. This book covers the emergency treatment of minor injuries and the management of major head injuries before referral to the neurosurgical department.

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Head injuries are common. Although the majority of patients survive, head injuries have devastsating consequences, both physically and socially. The initial assessment and management of head injuries are critical in determining the outcome of the injury. Yet, head-injured patients are usually dealt with by non-specialists, often junior doctors, and in district hospitals where specialist neurosurgical assistance is unavailable. This book covers the emergency treatment of minor injuries and the management of major head injuries before referral to the neurosurgical department. It is aimed primarily at junior doctors working in the accident and emergency department, and at generel surgeons practising in areas where transfer to specialist centres is impossible. Concise practical guidelines are augmented by key points, lists, photographs and line illustrations. This is the fifth book in the series of "Oxford Handbooks in Emergency Medicine".