Accidents and injuries

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Subdural haematoma

By Sama Mohamed

What is a subdural haematoma? A subdural haematoma is a collection of blood between the surface of the brain and the skull. It is an emergency condition that can result from a head injury. Subdural haematoma types Subdural haematomas are classified according to the length of time since the event that caused them. They can be: acute (less than 2 days) subacute (2 to 14 days) chronic (more than 14 days) Some people with chronic subdural haematoma have had only a mild head injury or no head injury that they can recall. What are the symptoms of a subdural haematoma?

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#Accidents and injuries #Musculoskeletal

Back pain

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Overview Back pain refers to pain experienced in a patients’ back that is often in the lower regions. Back pain is an extremely common presentation that is estimated to affect a significant proportion of adults at some point during their life. The majority of back pain is felt in the lower lumbar region (known as low back pain) and is usually self-limiting. There are a variety of causes and it is important to be able to differentiate non-specific back (i.e. in the absence of an underlying disorder) from a sinister cause (e.g. discitis, cancer). Location The location of back pain

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Limb injuries

By Sama Mohamed

What is a limb injury? A limb injury is any injury to a limb, either a leg or arm, or to the toes and fingers. Limb injuries include broken bones, dislocations, sprain, strains, injuries to the nail, and bruising. What symptoms are related to limb injuries? Signs of limb injury can vary, depending on the type of injury. Broken bones (cracked or fractured bones, for example a broken arm): Severe pain, restricted or no movement in the affected limb, change of shape of the limb, discolouration, tenderness and swelling. Dislocation (when a bone has been moved or dislodged, for example a

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#Accidents and injuries #First aid advice #K

Bumps, knocks and bruises

By Sama Mohamed

Bumps, knocks and bruises What are bumps, knocks and bruises? Bumps, knocks and bruises are common injuries that everyone will experience from time to time. Though they can sometimes be very painful, bumps, knocks and bruises are usually easy to treat. What symptoms are related to bumps, knocks and bruises? These kinds of injuries commonly affect joints such as your elbow or knee, and bumps and knocks to these areas can result in swelling and bruising. What causes bumps, knocks and bruises? A bruise often appears after you have been knocked, bumped or pinched, for example when you have fallen

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#Accidents and injuries #Joint diseases and problems #K

Knee injuries

By Sama Mohamed

Knees provide stable support for the body and allow the legs to bend and straighten. The knee is the largest joint in the body and is easily injured. The knee has 4 main types of tissues: bones, ligaments, cartilage and tendons. Any of these important types of tissue can be damaged through injury. Common knee injuries include: sprain (an over-stretching of ligaments in the knee) torn ligament, such as a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) strains (over-stretching of muscles and tendons) damage to the cartilage that lines the knee torn meniscus (the cartilage between the shinbone and thighbone) irritation to

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Head injuries

By Sama Mohamed

What is a head injury? A head injury is a knock to the head. It can be mild, resulting in a small lump or bruise, or it can be more serious, leading to brain injuries such as concussion or bleeding on the brain. Head injuries can be serious even if you can’t see them. They can lead to permanent disability or impairment, or even death. More severe head injuries always need to be seen by a doctor. When should I call an ambulance or go to the emergency department? You should always keep a close eye on anyone who has had

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First aid kits

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts An organised and properly stocked first aid kit can help in a medical emergency. Being prepared may help save a life. First aid kits come in different shapes and sizes and for different uses. Buying a first aid kit is a convenient option. Doing a first aid course will give you the knowledge and skills to provide first aid help. Putting together basic first aid kit A good first aid kit helps to lower the impact of an injury before getting proper medical care. You can customise your first aid kit depending on the activities you do. A

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#Accidents and injuries #C #First aid advice

Wounds, cuts and grazes

By Sama Mohamed

Wounds, cuts and grazes What are wounds, cuts and grazes? A wound is a break or damage to the skin surface. Minor wounds do not usually need medical attention and can usually be treated with first aid. What causes wounds, cuts and grazes? Wounds can be caused by something sudden, such as a cut, a fall or a bad knock. Cuts, grazes and lacerations are all examples of wounds. Cuts are usually caused by a sharp object like a knife or glass, or even a sheet of paper. Lacerations are a deep cut or tear of the skin – they

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Chest injuries

By Sama Mohamed

What are chest injuries? Chest injuries are injuries to the chest area — anywhere between the neck and the abdomen. Damage may be to the chest wall — the bones (including ribs and sternum), skin, fat and muscles protecting your lungs — or any of the organs inside the chest (for example the heart or lungs). Chest injuries can be minor, such as bruising, or serious problems that need urgent medical attention. They may be caused by blunt force or by a penetrating injury. Chest injuries include: bruising or abrasions to the chest area broken bones — for example, a

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#Accidents and injuries #Medical articles

Falls and the elderly

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Nearly 1 in 3 older Australians have experienced a fall in the past 12 months. Falls usually happen because gradual changes to our bodies make walking difficult, or they can be caused by hazards in and around the home. Falls can cause hip fractures and other injuries that require lengthy hospital care and long-term effects. See your doctor for a check-up if you have ever fallen before, even if you weren’t injured as a result. Why are falls a particular concern for older people? Anyone can have a fall, but falls are a major health concern for older people (those

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