WHAT IS TRAUMA OR INJURY

Trauma commonly refers to serious bodily injury or wounds. Accidents, falls, blows, burns, or weapons can cause physical trauma. But trauma can also be emotional or psychological injury from an extremely distressing or shocking event, such as an accident, rape, the breakup of a relationship, or a loved one's sudden death. It can occur without physical injury. Acute trauma symptoms are those that happen immediately after injury – such as bruises or bleeding, or shock and denial. Chronic trauma symptoms can occur long after an injury appears to have healed. They can be physical – like pain, headaches, or fatigue – or emotional – like anger, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. Trauma usually requires medical or psychological treatment.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF TRAUMA OR INJURY

Bleeding, Bruising or discoloration, Bleeding in eye, Broken bones (Fractures), Stiffness or decreased movement, Lump or bulge, Nosebleed

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT 

Diagnosis: For physical trauma, diagnosis is made by physical examination, review of medical history details of the accident that caused the trauma. Other tests may be required based on the type of trauma such as an X-Ray, CT Scan, Ultrasound etc. 

For emotional trauma, diagnosis takes longer and covers counseling about the event, it’s  symptoms, and triggers.

Treatment: Treatment for physical trauma depends on the nature and severity of the injury. Surgery, medical procedures, medication, and physical or occupational therapy are common treatments. Emotional or psychological trauma may be treated with medication, therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or other types of psychological therapy.

First Aid Tips for Trauma:

If a physical injury does not require medical care, these First Aid tips may help: 

1. For a minor head injury, apply ice to reduce swelling. If unsure about the seriousness of a head injury, best is to stay awake for at least 12 hours so that changes to mental status and symptoms can be understood and reported  

2. For strains, bumps, and bruises, use the RICE method: Rest the area, apply ice for 15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling, compress by wrapping in an Ace or other bandage, and elevate to reduce blood flow to the area.

3.  To stop bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure, using a clean cloth or gauze, for 10 minutes. If blood soaks through the gauze, add another piece of gauze on top of the first and continue to apply pressure.

4. Immerse a burn in cool water for 15 minutes or until pain subsides. Apply antibiotic cream and cover with a sterile, non sticky dressing. 

5. For open wounds, clean well with warm water and soap, apply antibiotic cream or ointment, and cover with a sterile dressing. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. In case of any serious physical injury that involves accidents, bleeding, unconsciousness, broken bones, siezures etc. seek immediate Emergency help.

2. Consult a Doctor or Psychologist for emotional trauma, especially when after passage of sufficient time post trauma, the symptoms still continue.