Read story D06: The fall three weeks ago (image and text)
The fall three weeks ago
Desmond develops headaches, sleepiness and confusion weeks after a head injury. A scan finds a collection of blood beneath the outer covering of the brain, called a chronic subdural haematoma.
Tell staff about recent falls or head injuries and any blood thinning medicines. Symptoms may develop later, even after an initial assessment. A head injury while taking a blood thinner needs urgent medical advice at the time. New confusion, weakness, severe headache or difficulty waking needs emergency help. Treatment and recovery vary.
Story text
Panel 1. Three weeks ago, Desmond was assessed after a fall and a bump to his head.
Panel 2. Now he is sleepy and muddled, and has headaches.
Panel 3. In the emergency department.
- Gloria: He's on a blood thinner. He hit his head three weeks ago.
Panel 4.
- Doctor: That's important to know. We'll scan his head straight away.
Panel 5. The scan shows a slow bleed between the skull and the brain.
Panel 6. A surgeon drains the blood through small holes in the skull.
Panel 7. Over the next few days his thinking clears.
- Desmond: What have I missed in the cricket?
Panel 8. His blood thinner is reviewed, and a follow-up scan is booked.
Bottom band. Tell staff about any fall or head bump, even weeks before the confusion began.