TRAUMA I – Taking the Time to Recover

An unexpected accident can occur at any time.

• We stepped off a curb or lunged for a volleyball and sprained our ankle

• We fell and broke a bone

• We were holding the overhead strap on the bus and hurt our shoulder when the bus suddenly lurched
  

Though these injuries may need some investigation ( an x-ray, a visit to the doctor, rest), over

time, and with management directed at settling down the acute symptoms, we gradually recover and return to all our pre-accident activities.

There are other types of injuries that can involve a more complicated recovery period.

• Being injured in a motor vehicle accident (MVA), whether you are a driver, passenger,

  pedestrian or while riding any motorized vehicle

• Hitting your head ( during a fall, playing sports, in a car accident, at home)

• Bodily assault due to domestic abuse, an unprovoked attack or altercation

• Injuries occurring in more than 1 part of your body at the same time

• The main difference between what appears to be a straight-forward’ injury, like a sprained ankle, and one that may require a lengthy recovery is that it is ‘possible’ that other injuries you cannot see also occurred at the same time. These can include:

  • Soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains to muscles and joints

  • Blooding or damage to internal organs

  • Fractures or hair-line cracks in bones

  • A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or Concussion when the ‘force of the impact causes

    movement of the brain within the vault of the skull, often resulting in ‘strange’ sensations

Management After a More ‘Complex Injury’

• AND “If” you are involved in a MVA, have someone call the police, and an ambulance

• Go to the hospital Emergency Department (ER) or see your family doctor. Ensure that

  the accident is reported to your auto insurer

• If you are feeling lightheaded, nauseous or off balance, it would be best to get an MRI of

  your brain. The physical effects of a concussion are usually ‘invisible’ a few days post

  trauma. BUT if a brain scan can be obtained immediately, it may demonstrate some

  changes in the brain structure that were caused by trauma. (Research continues in this area and concussion may one-day be diagnosed by blood studies.)
  

When you are home

• Begin your recovery immediately

• Ask for HELP- the most important first step. Ask family and friends to help with housework, child-care and food preparation

• Take time off work. (You may need to contact your employer, and/ or have your doctor

  complete specific forms)

• Pay attention to HOW you are feeling. Ask yourself WHAT you are feeling.

• Use ice or heat to settle the acute discomfort; change position often; support yourself on

  as many pillows as necessary to get comfortable

• As the injury (or ouchy) pain settles, move more often, stay up for longer time periods,

  do some household tasks for short periods of time

• Be cautious about taking drugs like muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory medication

  immediately after ‘new trauma’. It is best for your body to heal on its own—and in its own

time.

Medication During the Acute Phase of Recovery:

• IF you take prescription medication for any condition, speak to your family doctor

  BEFORE you take any medication for pain or any 🔴

• Sleep is important for your recovery. Support yourself on as many pillows as needed to get yourself comfortable. Speak to your doctor if you think that medication may help you sleep

Ensure that you stay in contact with your family doctor so that a record can be kept of any

prolonged problems or symptoms.

Contact with a health practitioner knowledgeable about treating post-trauma injuries may speed your recovery.

An interesting short video on TRAUMA has been produced by PHOENIX AUSTRALIA.

The information is useful for everyone, even if you do not sound and speak like an Australian.