A traumatic brain injury is a type of acquired brain injury that occurs following an impact to the head, causing damage to the brain tissue. These head injuries can be classified as either penetrating or non-penetrating. Long-term effects may range from mild to severe, depending on the patient.

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a type of neurodegenerative disease associated with repeated head injuries or concussions.

A person who has suffered a traumatic brain injury might emerge from unconsciousness disoriented, confused and acting unlike themselves. This can be a highly confronting and upsetting experience for their loved ones - so, what does this mean for the patient and their recovery?

Authors' conclusions:  In people with traumatic brain injury, while the addition of HBOT may reduce the risk of death and improve the final GCS, there is little evidence that the survivors have a good outcome

Neurological observations collect data on a patient’s neurological status and can be used for many reasons, including in order to help with diagnosis, as a baseline observation, following a neurosurgical procedure, and following trauma. The most widely known and used tool is the Glasgow Coma Scale.

A burn is an injury wherein the skin tissue or eye is partially or completely damaged by heat, cold, electricity, chemicals, gas, friction, bitumen or radiation. A scald is a burn injury caused by a wet agent such as hot water or steam Burns and scalds can vary from minor to potentially fatal.

Hip fractures occur when the top of the femur cracks or breaks. They are potentially catastrophic injuries, particularly in older adults, that are associated with death, disability and loss of independence. About 19 000 people over 50 are hospitalised for hip fractures every year in Australia.

Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is defined as the progressive physiological dysfunction of two or more organ systems where homeostasis cannot be maintained without intervention. It is initiated by illness, injury or infection and most commonly affects the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.

A perineal tear occurs when the perineum - the area between the vagina and anus - is injured during childbirth. Third and fourth degree perineal tears are experienced by approximately 3% of women giving birth vaginally and 5% of women giving birth vaginally for the first time and may be serious.

Restraint is the practice of intentionally restricting a client’s movement or behaviour to prevent harm or danger to the client, staff or other people. As much as possible, healthcare services should aim to create and maintain a restraint-free environment to prevent clients from unnecessary trauma.