About this topic
A traumatic injury or experience is serious. It calls for special doctors to care for the patient. This helps the chances of healing. You may also hear this kind of injury called trauma. ‚
The injury from trauma may be minor like cuts or bruises. Other times, it is more severe. A patient may have a brain injury, broken bones, or harm to organs inside the body. The patient may need to have surgery right away. Trauma can lead to wounds, deep cuts, and bleeding. A patient may end up with a disability or a deformity after a traumatic injury. Trauma can lead to shock. This can lead to confusion, disoriented feelings and actions, and long-term damage. ‚
Some people suffer emotional trauma or psychological injury. It often happens after a very stressful or life-threatening situation. This kind of trauma may not be easy to see right away. ‚
A person will most often need care right after a traumatic injury. Emergency care may be given at the scene of the accident. Staff will work to make sure the patient is breathing. They will control bleeding and protect the body from any more harm. Then, the patient may be taken to the hospital emergency room. ‚
At the hospital, the patient will be given urgent medical care. This may include I.V. fluids, emergency surgery, or blood transfusion. The staff will work to avoid any more damage. The goal is to help the patient heal fully. ‚
How long it takes for a person to heal from a traumatic injury may vary from person to person. It is based on how: ‚
- Serious the injury and disability
- Quickly care is given
- The patient responds to care
What are the causes?
Trauma may be a result of an accident or a natural disaster. Trauma may also be caused by violence, abuse, or a physical attack. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Use of illegal drugs and alcohol abuse
- Violence and abuse
What are the main signs?
- Pain and soreness from wounds, cuts, or bruising
- Major injuries like bleeding, broken bones, or not able to move
- Signs of shock like feeling cold, faint, dizzy, or sleepy
- Problems breathing
- Signs of a head injury like throwing up, headache, confusion, or feeling disoriented
- Signs of attempted suicide like overdose of drugs
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Diagnosis will most likely be done in the hospital. The doctor will ask about the patients health history and do an exam. The doctor will ask about the cause of the trauma. ‚
The doctor will check the patient's: ‚
- Airway, breathing, and blood flow
- Level of alertness
- Body closely for serious injuries by:
- Checking sensory and motor response and reflexes
- Checking the spine for any damage and deformities
- Listening to the lungs and heart with a stethoscope
- Checking head and face for signs of injury
- Checking the other body parts for wounds, cuts, bruises, and bleeding
- Feeling the other parts of the body for pain and swelling
- Feeling and checking arms and legs for any broken bones and deformities
- Checking for changes in speech, actions, and recall
The doctor may order: ‚
- Lab tests
- X-rays
- CT or MRI scan
- Ultrasound
- Spinal tap
- Psychological screening
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
The doctor will treat the patients trauma and make a plan for care based on the injuries. Special doctors may be needed to help with the care. ‚
During emergency care the doctor may: ‚
- Do emergency surgery
- Give blood transfusions
- Give a large amount of I.V. fluids
After emergency care, the doctor will plan for long-term care. The patient may be moved to an Intensive Care Unit so the staff can watch them closely. More care may include drugs and help breathing. Sometimes, special care and other therapy are needed. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
- Shock ¢ ˆ ’ Low blood flow all over your body. This is caused by low blood pressure.
- Bleeding ¢ ˆ ’ Rapid blood loss from the injury
- Infection ¢ ˆ ’ When germs enter the site of injury or surgery. An infection can slow healing. It may spread to other parts of the body.
- Blood clots ¢ ˆ ’ Cause block of blood flow to the heart or brain
- Mental and emotional problems ¢ ˆ ’ Changes in your behavior. You may have strong fear, loss of control, worry, and low mood.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder also called PTSD ¢ ˆ ’ Includes memories of the traumatic event and problems coping
What lifestyle changes are needed?
Lifestyle may be different after a traumatic injury. You may have to limit or change activities. This is based on how severe the injury was. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Ease muscle spasms
- Control nerve activity
- Prevent infection
What problems could happen?
- Long-term pain
- Low mood
- Low blood pressure
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Disability
- Mental and emotional problems
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There are no specific ways to prevent general trauma. But you can help prevent traumatic events by: ‚
- Always wearing a seat belt. Drive safely. Obey speed limits. Do not drink and drive.
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
- Take extra care when in high-risk situations, such as:
- Handling firearm or guns
- Handling tools that can cause injury
- Playing contact sports like football or soccer
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/masscasualties/copingpub.asp ‚
National Center for PTSD ‚
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/treatment/cope/coping-traumatic-stress.asp ‚
National Institute of General Medical Sciences ‚
http://www.nigms.nih.gov/Education/Factsheet_Trauma.htm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚