Re: It CAN happen to YOU!

["Lori Bertolucci-Woodard" <llbertol@atnet.net>]

Another thing most people don't consider is the injury caused to the neck
from a blow to the head. It may not show up right away, possibly just a
stiff neck and a headache, but the damage can be real. That is why I was
retired at the ripe old age of 41. A blow to the head, and 8 years later 4
compressed discs in my neck! No, I wasn't wearing a helmet, but I really
didn't think I needed one indoors. So, if you are having numbness in your
arms or hands, you should have it checked out.
Lori B.

----------
> From: Flemmer, Linda <flemmerl@rcbhsc.wvu.edu>
> To: safehavn@fast.net
> Cc: ridecamp@endurance.net
> Subject: Re: It CAN happen to YOU!
> Date: Thursday, November 19, 1998 8:07 AM
> 
> Diane Nelson wrote:
> > 
> > My friend was out cold for some time, then woozily got up, only to plop
back down again, asking "What happened?".  Help was summoned and she was
taken to the hospital, x-rayed, etc.  It was some time before she was able
to focus and understand what had 
> happened.  The good news - she's fine.  A footprint on her shoulder and
bad bruises but NO head injury, no headache.  The helmet was dented from
the impact and will go back to the manufacturer as per standard practice.
> 
> 
> I'm REALLY glad your friend is ok!!
> 
> However (Nurse on her soap box)
> 
> 1 - anyone who is unconscious, has a change in level of consciousness
> (woozy, confused, loss of memory, change in personality, combative or
> argumentative), sick to their stomach, change in the rate that their
> pupils constrict or they constrict unequally, any headache - HAS
> SUSTAINED A HEAD INJURY!
> 
> 2 - Recent findings are that head injuries are cumulative.  One little
> injury may not be bad, but lots add up.  (Researchers looked at football
> players, boxers, and jumpers/3 day eventers.)
> 
> Don't be fooled into thinking that no head injury was sustained.  Even
> if there is no fracture, bleeding in the head, etc. the brain is rocked
> about in the skull by the sudden impact.  This bruises the brain and can
> tear the meninges (coverings over the brain) EVEN WITH A HELMET!  The 
> helmet stops the more severe (read deadly) head injuries.
> 
> Folks should be closely watched after a fall - not allowed to go home
> alone.  A small bleed into the head may not be immediately apparent,
> even with CT/MRI scans.  Hours later, the accumulated blood can cause
> grave symptoms.  Ask the hospital/MD what signs to look for in this
> patient.
> 
> After my head injury, the scans were negative in the ER & I was cleared
> to go home.  Late that night, the slow bleeding finally caused enough
> pressure that I had irreversible damage!  (Me to husband - "What do you
> mean by your pupils look funny?  What do you mean by speak more
> clearly?")  Thank god my husband was there to check on me frequently!
> 
> **Off Soap Box**
> 
> Linda Flemmer
>