First aid for Cerebral Compression
Cerebral compression occurs when there is a build up of pressure inside the skull. Cerebral compression can be caused by bleeding into the skull or swelling of the brain tissue after a head injury. It can also occur as the result of an infection (such as meningitis), stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident) or brain tumour.
It is important for a first aider to be able to recognise the potential signs and symptoms of cerebral compression and seek urgent expert help.
Signs and Symptoms of Compression
- Deteriorating level of response – casualty may become unconscious
- Severe headache
- Noisy breathing
- Slow, yet full and strong pulse
- Unequal pupil sizes (‘blown pupil’)
- Weakness or paralysis down one side of the face or body (hemiplegia)
- Change of personality such as irritability or confusion.
First aid treatment for compression
Your primary aim is to get urgent advanced medical attention for the casualty
- Call for emergency medical help immediately.
- Monitor the casualty’s level of responsiveness, pulse and respiratory rate
- Maintain the casualty’s airway if necessary.
- Be prepared to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the casualty stops breathing.
