head
Last reviewed 01/2018
The examination of the head in the secondary trauma survey should cover the:
- scalp:
- lacerations
- boggy masses indicating a haematoma
- facial skeleton:
- stability
- missing teeth; consider aspiration
- malocclusion; possibly indicative of facial fracture
- eyes:
- penetrating injuries
- visual acuity
- presence of contact lenses
- ears:
- compare hearing both sides
- haematoma in need of evacuation
- mastoid bruising; may indicate a basal skull fracture
- CSF leak; again, a possible indication of basal skull fracture
- nose:
- deformity
- septal haematoma in need of evacuation
- CSF leak
- mouth:
- CSF leak or concealed posterior nasal haemorrhage
- bitten tongue; consider fitting as a cause or consequence of the trauma