Head-banging Health Dictionary

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Head-banging: From 1 Different Sources

The persistent, rhythmic banging of the head against a wall or hard object. Head-banging is seen in some people with severe learning difficulties, particularly those who lack stimulation. It also occurs in some normal toddlers, often when they are frustrated or angry; most children grow out of the behaviour.
Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association

Head Injury

Any injury to the head, whether associated with a skull fracture (see BONE, DISORDERS OF – Bone fractures) or not. Patients with head injuries should be assessed for signs of neurological damage, which may not develop at once. Patients who after a head injury are or have been UNCONSCIOUS or who are drowsy, vomiting, confused or have any focal neurological signs – for example, blurred vision or a motor or sensory malfunction – should be seen by a doctor. Particular care should be taken with individuals who have consumed alcohol and sustained a head injury in a ?ght, fall or vehicle accident. Symptoms indicative of a severe head injury may be attributed (wrongly) to the effects of alcohol, and crucial time thus lost in treating the injury.

In hospital the possible need for urgent action is monitored by use of the GLASGOW COMA SCALE.

People suffering the results of such injuries and their relatives can obtain help and advice from Headway – the brain injury association.... head injury

Head

See BRAIN; FACE; SCALP; SKULL.... head

Caput Medusae (medusa’s Head)

The term describing the abnormally dilated veins that form around the umbilicus in CIRRHOSIS of the liver.... caput medusae (medusa’s head)

Exploding Head Synrome (ehs)

Explosive bomb-like sensation – ‘like a thunderclap’ – coming from the back of the head. Not a morning-after-the-night-before feeling or pain in the head, but an unexplained loud noise occurring during sleep. Sufferers are mostly women, middle-aged or elderly, with no other symptoms and usually in good health.

Described as “seems as if my head was bursting, with a flash of light”. Reaction is one of fear and violent heart beat. Attacks unrelated to alcohol or excitement of the previous evening. No circulatory changes in the brain or cerebrospinal fluid are known to cause such a symptom.

Treatment. Cup of one of the following teas at bedtime: Buckwheat, Yarrow, Hawthorn flowers, Skullcap, Oats. Morning and evening: one 500mg Evening Primrose capsule; one 400iu Vitamin E capsule.

Diet: low-salt. Cholesterol-rich foods should be kept to a minimum. ... exploding head synrome (ehs)

Noises In Head

(ears). See: TINNITUS. ... noises in head

Head Lag

The backward flopping of the head that occurs when an infant is placed in a sitting position.

Head lag is obvious in a newborn because the neck muscles are still weak, but by 4 months the baby can hold his or her head upright (see child development).... head lag

Bielschowsky Head Tilt

an orthoptic eye test used mainly to differentiate between a weakness of the superior oblique muscle and a weakness of the contralateral superior rectus muscle (see extrinsic muscle). [A. Bielschowsky (1871–1940), German ophthalmologist]... bielschowsky head tilt

Exploding Head Syndrome

(EHS, episodic cranial sensory shock) an auditory *hallucination, characterized by the perception of a sudden loud noise in the head or ears, that is experienced during a transition between sleep stages. The cause is not currently known.... exploding head syndrome

Head Tilt, Chin Lift

a manoeuvre for opening the airway of an unconscious patient. With the patient lying on his or her back, the neck is extended and the chin simultaneously pulled gently upwards to pull the tongue away from the back of the pharynx. This method is often used when mouth-to-mouth ventilation is to be given and is an alternative to the *jaw thrust manoeuvre.... head tilt, chin lift

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