Dr. Josyann Abisaab

Head Injuries and the ER

Many people are not sure when a visit to the ER is necessary. Some people are more inclined to play it safe and go regardless of the severity of the condition, while others prefer to wait things out. ER doctors such as Dr. Josyann Abisaab stress that it is important for people to be familiar with different levels of emergency, to avoid unnecessary visits or lack of necessary care.

Head injuries are common in sports. Parents often see their children take a blow to the head, and then get up and continue playing. They may even sit out for a few minutes. It is important to understand that concussions are a type of brain trauma, and they do not always result in unconsciousness. While an ER visit is not always necessary, it is important that you take the hit seriously and pay attention to any changes in the child’s demeanor. Sudden drowsiness, vomiting, uneven pupil dilation and even a split second of unconsciousness are probably signs of a concussion. Consult a doctor before making the trip, if you’d like, but don’t brush the occurrence off. Also, if a laceration occurred at the time of the blow, the child should definitely be examined.

Wear a Helmet- Avoid the ER

Concussions happen when the head is hit or knocked against a hard surface. Visits to the ER following these injuries are often necessary, and ER doctors like Josyann Abisaab encounter these patients often. Concussions can result in confusion, memory loss, weakened vision, nausea, unconsciousness and in severe cases, dementia and other permanent damages.

A good helmet can really absorb and deflect a lot of the impact force. Sometimes people don’t wear them because they feel foolish or think that they are not necessary, but a fall without a helmet can result in severe brain injuries. Not every helmet offers the right amount of protection; it is important to choose a helmet that was made exclusively for your activity, for example a cyclist should wear a different helmet than a rock climber.