Road Accident Head Injuries in Assam – Critical Steps to Save a Life

Why Head Injuries Are Different

Unlike visible injuries like fractures or bleeding, internal brain injuries can go unnoticed—until it’s too late. Even a mild hit to the head can lead to swelling, internal bleeding, or loss of consciousness. Delay in diagnosis is one of the top reasons for complications in neurosurgical trauma cases in Northeast India.

🚨 Red Flag Symptoms to Watch For

• Loss of consciousness, even briefly
• Repeated vomiting or severe nausea
• Unusual drowsiness or confusion
• Bleeding from nose or ears
• Seizures or twitching
• Worsening headache or blurred vision

If any of these signs are present—seek emergency medical care immediately.

First Steps After the Accident

1. Keep the patient still: Especially if there’s neck or spine trauma suspected.
2. Do not give food or drink: It can cause choking or complications during surgery.
3. Call emergency services: Or transport to the nearest neurosurgical center like Health City Hospital, Guwahati.
4. Note the time of injury: This helps the neurosurgical team make faster decisions.

🏥 What If You’re in a Remote Location Without Neurosurgical Care?

In many parts of Northeast India, especially remote or hilly areas, access to a neurosurgeon or advanced trauma care may not be immediately available. In such situations, every minute counts — here’s what you should do:

• Stabilize the patient: Keep the person lying flat and still. Avoid unnecessary movement, especially of the head and neck.
• Control external bleeding: Use a clean cloth or bandage to apply gentle pressure if there’s bleeding from the scalp or face.
• Ensure airway and breathing: If the person is unconscious but breathing, turn them on their side carefully to prevent choking. Do not tilt the head back.
• Avoid giving anything orally: No water, food, or medicine until medical help is reached.
• Transport to the nearest center: Take the patient to the closest hospital with emergency or trauma care, even if neurosurgery isn’t available. The goal is to stabilize, do a basic scan, and refer to a neurosurgical center like Health City Hospital, Guwahati.
• Call ahead: If possible, inform the referral center in advance so they’re prepared on arrival.

🧭 Tip: In regions where mobile networks work intermittently, save offline maps or emergency contact numbers in advance—especially during travel in rural areas.

Remember: Even if neurosurgical treatment isn’t immediately available, basic stabilization and early detection through a CT scan can significantly improve survival and outcomes.

When to See a Neurosurgeon

Many patients in Assam delay seeing a neurosurgeon until complications set in. Dr. Naba J. Borah advises that any head injury involving unconsciousness, memory loss, or vomiting warrants an immediate brain scan (CT/MRI) and neurosurgical evaluation.

How Dr. Naba J. Borah Can Help

With extensive experience in brain trauma surgeries and emergency neurosurgical care, Dr. Borah offers expert evaluation and management of all forms of head injuries. He practices at Health City Hospital, Khanapara, Guwahati, a center equipped with advanced diagnostic and surgical facilities.

📍 Learn more about his services at drnabajborah.com

Final Thoughts

Time is brain. The first 24 hours after a head injury can determine everything—from survival to recovery. If someone you know is injured on the road, act fast and wisely. Your awareness could save a life.