Trauma

Anxiety, numbness, dissociation and/or inappropriate calmness Anger and frustration Acute stress disorder (ie, distress, memories, avoidance, and numbing in the months after trauma) Depression Post-traumatic symptoms and/or disorder Avoidance and public anxiety Diagnosis A professional team at the hospital will assess your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include the following: Blood pressure measurement Ventilatory monitoringbreathing tests to determine whether breathing needs to be assisted by a ventilator or supplemental oxygen Electrocardiogram to monitor heart rate Chest examination Abdomen and pelvis examination Examination of the extremities Neurologic examination Chest radiographto view the organs and structures within the test Abdominal ultrasound to view the organs and structures within the abdomen CT scan to view the organs and structures within the abdomen, pelvis, chest, and/or head Spine x-rayto determine if there is damage to the spine Angiography to identify arterial bleeding Other tests, depending on the nature of the injuries Assessment for psychological symptoms

Treatment Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment usually includes the following: Resuscitation and/or stabilizationDuring the initial physical exam, doctors will perform necessary procedures and surgeries to restore normal vital signs, control blood loss, and restore organ function. Further surgeries and/or treatmentsOnce you have been stabilized, you will likely need further surgeries and treatments. The surgeries and treatments you will undergo depend on the nature of your injuries. Cognitive-behavioral therapyIf you have ongoing psychological symptoms in response to the trauma, psychotherapy may be a component of your rehabilitation. In cognitive-behavioral therapy, a psychotherapist will help a trauma victim discuss his/her feelings, return to normal activities, cope with anxiety, deal with anger, overcome sleep problems, and treat associated depression. Prevention To help reduce your chances of trauma, take the following steps: Avoid putting yourself at risk for an accident, violence, or other physical trauma. RESOURCES: American Academy of Family Physicians http://familydoctor.org American College of Emergency Physicians http://www.acep.org

Emergency Medical Services for Children http://www.ems-c.org CANADIAN RESOURCES: Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians http://www.caep.ca Trauma Management Group http://www.trauma.ca References: Fact sheet: trauma, shock, burn, and injury: facts and figures. National Institute of General Medical Sciences website. Available at: http://publications.nigms.nih.gov/factsheets/trauma_burn_facts.html . Accessed October 3, 2006. Initial evaluation of the trauma patient. emedicine website. Available at: http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3221.htm. Accessed October 3, 2006. Majou R, Farmer A. ABC of psychological medicine: trauma. British Medical Journal website. Available at: http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/325/7361/426 . Accessed October 16, 2006. What is trauma? Hartford Hospital website. Available at: http://www.harthosp.org/trauma/trauma.html. Accessed October 3, 2006. Last reviewed February 2008 by David Horn, MD Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.