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2022 GOOD HEALTH
Don ’ t forget to protect your head and face
BY LORI COOTS , MBA , BSN , RN , CEN , SANE , EMT-P , Director of Emergency Services and Outpatient Care , Saint Joseph London
As the weather begins to warm up and people start spending more time outside , head , mouth and facial injuries become more prominent . Springtime brings on new sports seasons , outdoor adventures , and more opportunities for injury . We often see an uptick of these types of injuries in the emergency room as people become more active outdoors .
According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons ( AAOMS ), 11-18 % of all sports injuries are related to the face .
Several types of facial injuries can occur when participating in sports , including cuts or punctures within the mouth , abrasions to the skin , bruises , swelling , dislocations , and even broken bones or head injuries . While these injuries range in severity , facial fractures are the most common serious injury .
Fractures often happen in the frontal sinus bones , eye sockets , nose , cheekbones , jaw , or a combination of different locations . Injuries to these areas can affect your ability to breathe if there is a nasal fracture and swelling within the nasal cavity . People who are injured in this way may also experience difficulty speaking or swallowing if the injury has impacted the teeth or jawbones . When a facial injury occurs , the steps taken immediately are critical to the healing process .
• If bleeding occurs , cover the wound with a cloth and apply pressure .
• If a nasal fracture occurs , if actively bleeding pack the nose with gauze , apply ice and after first aid steps are taken , seek medical attention .
• It ’ s also crucial to check for other head , neck , or eye injuries . Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury or concussion may appear right away . But sometimes it could take hours to begin experiencing symptoms , including headaches , dizziness or balance problems , feeling tired , being bothered by light or noise , nausea , trouble thinking , or sleeping more or less than usual , among other symptoms . If you suspect someone has experienced a head or neck injury , do not move them and seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 .
Participation in any sport – whether organizational or recreational – carries a risk of sustaining a facial injury . While it is impossible to prevent all facial injuries , some measures can reduce the risk . When playing sports , always wear the proper helmet or face mask , especially when participating in high contact sports like football , ice hockey , and lacrosse . Athletes should also use a fitted mouthguard that is lightweight , strong and the correct length .
These injuries , however , aren ’ t just limited to sports participants . Facial injuries can also occur during a car wreck or while working in the manufacturing or construction industries .
To help prevent facial injuries outside of sports , wear a seatbelt when driving , and when working in an industrial area or construction zone , always wear a hard hat and safety goggles .
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