Definition

Trauma is a serious injury or shock to the body. It can affect a person's ability to function. Sometimes it can be fatal. It needs to be treated right away.

Brain Trauma from Whiplash Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Some causes of trauma include:

• Accidents, such as:
  • Motor vehicle crashes
  • Falls
  • Plane crashes
• Near-drowning
• Physical assault—such as attacks, gunshots, stabbing, or rape
• Burns and electrical shocks
• Natural disasters—such as fires, floods, earthquakes, or lightning
• Animal attacks
• Contact sports
• Explosions

Risk Factors

Trauma is more common in people aged 1 to 44 years. Other things that raise the risk are:

• Lack of car or boat safety, such as:
  • Drinking alcohol while driving
  • Using a cell phone, texting, or being distracted while driving
  • Not wearing a seatbelt or a lifejacket
  • Not using a child safety seat properly
• Improper use or storage of firearms
• Unsafe home conditions such as:
  • Objects or conditions that lead to falls
  • Not using smoke detectors or not changing dead batteries
• Not wearing proper protection—while playing sports or using dangerous equipment
• Improper use of dangerous machinery
• Fighting with fists or weapons—especially after drinking alcohol
• Lack of water safety, such as:
  • Swimming alone or without previous lessons
  • Not watching a child while they are swimming
  • Improper fencing or locks around swimming pools
• Approaching an animal unsafely or aggressively

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the type or extent of injuries. They may include:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Breathing problems
• Headache, nausea, vomiting, amnesia, or altered mental status
• Deformity from broken bones
• Loss of feeling and/or muscle strength
• Problems urinating or passing stool
• Loss of consciousness or coma

Emotional symptoms may be:

• Anxiety
• Anger and frustration
• Acute stress disorder—distress, memories, avoidance, and feeling numb in the months after trauma
• Depression
• Post-traumatic symptoms and/or disorder

Diagnosis

A medical team will assess your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It may include an exam of the chest, belly, pelvic area, arms or legs. Tests may be done on the brain and nervous system.

Other tests may include:

• A mental health exam
• Blood tests

Imaging tests may be used to check the injured area. These may include:

• Chest x-ray
• Abdominal ultrasound
• CT scan
• Spine x-ray
• Angiography

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause, severity, or location of the injury. Options may be:

Prevention

There are many ways to reduce the risk of trauma. Learn about and practice:

• Car safety and responsible driving
• How to keep the home safe from fires, falls, and other accidents
• Boat and water safety
• Safety measures for recreation, sports, and using machinery
• Child safety
• Violence prevention
• Responsible use of alcohol and certain medicines