5-2. GENERAL INFORMATION

a. The most important initial indicator of the severity of a head injury is the patient's level of consciousness. A competent observer should assess the patient's consciousness level as soon as possible after the injury has occurred. A severe head injury may be defined as one that leaves the patient unconscious for at least 6 hours. A patient who has an altered level of consciousness less severe and for a shorter time period may have medical problems much later, problems caused by the injury.) Therefore, a patient with any level of impaired consciousness after a head injury should be treated as though he has a serious head injury.

b. The majority of head injuries are mild and self-limiting. However, since severe head injuries can be life-threatening, it is important to assess and treat a head injury correctly to prevent death or disability from secondary brain damage.