Trauma

Trauma

Description injury

Trauma – serious injury or shock to the body. It is caused by the action of physical force, such as violence or an accident. The injury may be complicated by psychiatric, behavioral and social factors. It may lead to disability, that more, than just physical injuries. The injury almost always requires treatment to health professionals.

Causes of injuries

Some causes of injuries include:

• Road traffic accidents;
• Drop;
• Drowning;
• Gunshot wounds;
• Fires and burns;
• Blow sharps;
• Other physical assaults;
• Fire, flood, earthquake or other natural disaster;
• Another shock effect.

Risk factors for injury

Certain factors increase the risk of injury. You are at increased risk of injury at the age of 1-44 years.

Symptoms of injury

These symptoms, except for injury, They may be caused by other, less serious diseases. Symptoms, associated with trauma vary and depend on the type of injury. If you experience any of the symptoms, consult a doctor.

• Politravma;
• Airway obstruction;
• Breathing problems;
• Bleeding;
• Heart failure;
• Pulmonary failure;
• Damage to the vital organs;
• Central lesion;
• Sepsis;
• Multiple organ damage.

Besides, in response to trauma, you may experience the following psychological effects:

• Alarm, numbness, distraction and / or extreme oppression or calm;
• Anger and frustration;
• Acute Stress Disorder (i.e, stress, part of the memories, avoiding people in the first few months after injury);
• Depression;
• Post-traumatic symptoms and / or disorder;
• Closure and avoiding society.

Diagnosis injury

The doctor will evaluate symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam.

Tests may include the following:

• Hemodynamometry;
• Monitoring of breathing – breath test to determine the need for mechanical ventilation or supplemental oxygen supply;
• ECG – to control heart rate;
• Examination of the chest;
• Examination of the abdomen and pelvis;
• Examination of the extremities;
• Neurological examination
• Chest X-ray – to examine the state organs and structures in the chest;
• Abdominal ultrasound – for the study of organs and structures within the abdominal cavity;
• CT – Taking pictures of organs and structures in the abdomen, pelvis, Breast, and / or head;
• X-rays of the spine – to determine, whether there is damage to the spine;
• Angiography – to search for arterial bleeding;
• Other Tests, depending on the nature of the injury;
• Evaluation of psychological symptoms.

Traumatherapy

Treatment usually comprises the following:

• Resuscitation and / or stabilization – normalization of vital functions, level recovery of lost blood and functional recovery of the affected organ;
• Further the operation and / or treatment, depending on the type of injury;
• Cognitive therapy povedencheskaya – to relieve symptoms of psychological trauma.

Prevention of injuries

To reduce the risk of injury, recommended next steps:

• Always use seat belts;
• Do not drive a car or operate other equipment, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Certain drugs can also be dangerous;
• Do not use a mobile phone while driving;
• Keep poisons, medicines, detergents and locked. Keep them away from small children;
• Teach children to swim. Teach all family members the rules of water safety;
• Develop a plan for fire safety;
• Check, that all alarm and fire fighting equipment are in working order (eg, fire alarm, CO alarm, fire extinguishers);
• If your home has a firearm, make sure, it is discharged and stored in a locked place;
• Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle;
• Use required safety equipment when playing sports;
• Wear appropriate protective clothing when using power tools;
• Try to prevent falls in the home. Install night lights, handrails and railings;
• Do not expose yourself to the risk of accidents, violence or other physical injuries.