If a person is unconscious, does that mean he has a neck injury?

National Athletic Trainers' Association

Head and neck injuries are always assumed if a patient is unconscious. When this happens, the first step is to stabilize the neck before checking if the patient is breathing and has a pulse.

(This answer provided for NATA by the University of Alabama Athletic Training Education Program.)

Continue Learning about Neck Injury

National Athletic Trainers' Association

The best way to brace a neck injury that just happened is to stabilize it by holding either side...

National Athletic Trainers' Association

The patient may have trouble breathing if the neck injury is at the first through fifth vertebra...

National Athletic Trainers' Association

The neck contains many bones, nerves, and ligaments. These protect the spinal cord and help the ...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

You should be aware that whiplash is an injury to the neck and the person you are caring for will li...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Neck Injury

Whiplash is one type of neck injury. Any type of injury to the neck that causes pain, swelling, a lump in the neck or inflammation can be considered a neck injury. Falls, car crashes and sports mishaps are common causes of these injuries. With whiplash, the cervical vertebrae in the neck become strained or sprained because the neck suddenly extended and flexed after a rapid acceleration or deceleration. Symptoms include neck stiffness and pain, dizziness and headache. Treatment might include a mix of immobilizing the neck in a cervical collar, taking pain-relief medication and anti-inflammatory drugs, and undergoing physical therapy.

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