What are signs of a head, neck, or spinal injury?

You should suspect a head, neck, or spinal injury if the person:

• Was involved in a motor vehicle crash or subjected to another significant force
• Was injured as a result of a fall from greater than a standing height
• Is wearing a safety helmet that is broken
• Complains of neck or back pain
• Has tingling or weakness in the extremities
• Is not fully alert
• Is injured and appears to be intoxicated
• Is injured and appears to be frail or older than 65 years
• Is a child younger than 3 years with evidence of a head or neck injury

A rescuer should always suspect a head and/or spinal injury when a person is found unconscious, when a victim experiences a fall from a height, or when the incident involves lightning. Some other signs of head or spinal injury include blood or other fluids coming from the ears or nose; unusual bumps or depressions on the head or spine; and/or headaches, seizures, or confused/slurred speech. (This answer provided for NATA by the Eastern Kentucky University Athletic Training Education Program.)