Improved
6112 HealthChanged
3786 LivesSaved
3568 Lives0 lives impacted in the last 24 hrs Learn More
My 105-year-old grandma, Kora, is at it again. Just a few weeks ago, she had a little mishap, but she is not taking it lying down … well, not for very long, anyway.
In her usual stubborn style, Kora was carrying some bags into her home from the driveway, despite offered assistance from a companion. Kora is the type of person who, if you have driven her some place and then are dropping her off at home, you better be quick. As you are getting out of the car and coming around to her side to open the door for her, she will already be half-way up her front stoop and heading into the house. She has no time to wait! She has things to do!
At any rate, on this particular late summer morning, in her usual hurried fashion, she was carrying her bags up the front porch steps when she suddenly lost her footing, dropped the bags, hit her head, and bruised herself up in the harsh fall. Kora has taken some tumbles in her life these past few years, none of which have been too serious, yet this one landed her in the local hospital for a few days of observation. Now, a few weeks later, much to her chagrin, she is “recuperating” in a local retirement center until the doctors feel confident in her release. Kora is none too happy with this arrangement, yet stubbornly obliges the staff…and her family.
In her nasty and unexpected fall, Kora hit the side of her head. She endured a slight concussion of sorts, but did manage to avoid, as I understand it, a fracture. According to the National Library of Medicine, a skull fracture is a break in the cranial (skull) bones. The skull is tough and resilient and provides terrific protection for the brain. A severe impact or blow can result in a fracture to the skull. It can also result in brain injury.
When the brain is affected by such a sharp blow, it can damage the nervous system tissue and bleeding can result. Indirectly, blood clots can form under the skull and then compress the underlying brain tissue.
The causes of a skull fracture may include head trauma, car accidents (Kora’s license was taken from her a few years ago. She better not be driving!) physical assault (Kora gave up self-defense tactics awhile back. No one wants to mess with her at this point in her life!), sports (As far as I know, Kora’s NFL contract has not been renewed!), or falls (Here we go! This is the category!)
Symptoms may include bleeding from the wound, ears, nose, or around the eyes. Bruising may present behind the ears or under the eyes. There may be appreciable changes in the pupils. The patient may act confused or even have convulsions. Problems with balance may ensue. A headache may occur. The patient may feel drowsy or nauseous. They may even become restless or irritable and experience some visual disturbances. (I am sure Kora was irritable, but mainly because this accident messed up her day’s plans.)
The web site notes that the only symptom may just be a bump or bruise on the head, which may take up to 24 hours to appear.
When treating someone for a head injury and/or possible skull fracture, it is best to first check the airways, breathing, and circulation. If necessary, commence CPR. Do not attempt to move the victim until medical help arrives. Be sure to contact 911 for immediate assistance.
If the victim must be moved, be sure to stabilize the head and neck by placing your hands on both sides of the head and under the shoulders. Do not allow the head to twist, turn, and move forward or backward.
If bleeding occurs, apply firm pressure with a clean cloth to control any blood loss. If the blood soaks through, do not remove the original cloth. Apply additional cloths on top and continue to apply the pressure.
If the victim begins to vomit, stabilize the head and neck and then carefully turn the victim on his or her side to prevent possible choking on the vomit.
Even if the victim does not think any medical intervention is necessary, be sure to get him or her to the nearest medical emergency facility to be examined by licensed medical personnel.
During her second day in the hospital, we felt more confident in Grandma’s progress, as she was complaining about the food and then barked orders at my mom to send to her the updated football and basketball schedules for her beloved University of Kansas Jayhawks. For those who are not Jayhawk fans, you might argue that Grandma is delirious. For those who are, you see immediate improvements in her condition! All I can say is that I am grateful she was not seriously hurt and that she continues to carry on in her usual style. I am just surprised she has not attempted to break out of her temporary digs and head back home. Maybe the food is not as bad as she claims it is!
Add a Comment4 Comments
Ann,
Since my mother is a crazy Jayhawks fan, you made me laugh out loud at the end!!! Your grandmother is surely getting back to normal! But seriously, I'm so sorry she fell. It must have been quite frightening for the first couple of days. It's good to hear that she's recuperating temporarily in a place where she can be watched (and waited on!) I'm sure that she's the belle of the ball at the retirement home. I can just hear them all talking now about the cute 105-year-old that just moved in down the hall...
September 29, 2009 - 8:24amThis Comment
Cool! I am telling you, she is chomping at the bit to get out. "I have so much work to do at home," she will lament, "what, with the mail piling up and all." She is very independent and prefers to do things herself! I just cannot believe that she is planning on taking 22 of us on a cruise next summer! This time, I have to make sure she stays off of the topless deck! When she was 90 and we were on a cruise, I caught her dragging my husband up there!
September 29, 2009 - 4:12pmThis Comment
OMG! You have got to be kidding!!! What a great woman! Have you started the book yet? Because WE WANT TO READ IT!!!
September 30, 2009 - 9:36amThis Comment
Oh, yes! I hope to be finished with it by later this fall. She never ceases to amaze me. I tell her I am worried that once she passes on, she wil haunt me from the other side, and she indicated that she just might do that! Which begs the question: Can ghosts go topless?
September 30, 2009 - 4:02pmThis Comment