FIRST AID TIPS (for injuries, concussions, and first signs of getting sick)

#1

After having a little incident the night before last (I’m fine!), it dawned on me I should ask the best health minds about the best practices when things happen. (I google, but I also know this group puts google to shame!)

I got banged in the nose, so I iced it, but I wasn’t sure about doing anything else. I then woke up feeling like a truck hit me, so my friend had me get arnica (she was mostly worried about preventing black eyes). I got it, but is this anything you recommend?

Yesterday, I didn’t take my daily baby aspirin with the thought of reducing potential bruising. But then I was told that might help prevent a clot. ?

My PT told me the bang on my nose gave me a slight concussion (argh!).

Aside from resting, is there anything to do to help minimize any long term risk neurological risk associated with getting them? (This was pretty minor, so I’m not really worried, but always better to be proactive).

I thought it might be nice to list all the things we should do immediately or over the first couple of days when things go wrong.

What do we take or not take?

Heat/cold/anti inflammatories/etc.

If we have the first signs of a cold, flu, covid

If we get a concussion, bloody nose, cuts

I’d love for anyone to chime in, but I’ll also tag docs @DrFraser @Dr.Bart @KarlT

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#2

Quick note of caution: arnica is for external use only. Ingested, it can be a deadly toxin.

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#3

Excellent to know, thank you! I had the gel but my friend said get the tablets! I’ll stop taking those now… see, I told ya you were better than google!

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#4

I recently read this article about virus prevention and treatment that has inspired me toward iodine nasal and gargle after exposure.

#5

There are homeopathic arnica tablets, and that might be what you have. Those may be safe, but I’ll decline to discuss whether homeopathy is useful. :smiley:

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#6

I am usually not a believer, but I do know two people whose surgeons suggested it. I thought at worst it was harmless. But if there is a remote chance they are not safe, no reason to take them! These are the homeopathic ones, fwiw.

Also, some things we take (food/supplements) are good for reducing inflammation, but then again, I’ve also heard we want inflammation at the beginning to help heal…I have no idea what to do with this broad idea.

And thx for that link!

Fwiw, if I think I’m coming down with something, which is rare, I’ll neti pot with a little colloidal silver… a doc had me do that when I was living in a place that gave me frequent nasal infections. That was to stop taking anti biotics and it did work. I haven’t used silver in years and not sure if it’s actually safe.

#7

I just start taking every remedy/supplement and use my sauna most days. Kitchen sink approach.

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#8

Haven’t used Arnica. Hadn’t even heard of it. For topical pain relief I advise Voltaren gel or Solarcaine Aloe gel.

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#9

I forgot all about Voltaren gel! I used that a million years ago for knee pain after they took my beloved Vioxx off the market.

That would be great to have in my first aid kit, thank you!

#10

So … arnica hasn’t been consistently shown to decrease bruising in the limited trials done. So go for it if you want to – people swear by it … but studies show different.

In my 30 years of practice, I don’t think I’ve ever diagnosed someone with a concussion with nasal trauma (with or without fracture) without cranial impact. Rest isn’t what I recommend - I know some recommendations offer that, but in general light physical activity is recommended from day one, but nothing that would risk a second head injury.

Skipping aspirin will make no difference - all of your existing platelets will be inhibited and any bleeding/bruising will occur in the first 24 hours generally. Also there would be no increased risk of blood clots due to nasal trauma to want to have that as the rationale to continue with aspirin. I’d not consider starting or stopping aspirin to be a consideration with isolated nasal trauma.

For most trauma - ice for first 24 hours and then heat or cold doesn’t impact outcomes, but can be used for comfort.

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#11

Thank you for that and it’s really helpful!!!

My PT based concussion on the fact that I was dizzy and had double vision etc (he said follow my pen and I said which one! :slight_smile:

I am hoping and assuming you are 100% correct because we know concussions are an added risk factor for the apoe4 stuff (with your ER work, I’m sure you would have seen it if it were possible from just a bang on the nose, so yay). Worst case, I was hoping a minor one wouldn’t add much risk anyway, if it even works like that, but fingers crossed.

Arnica, you are so out! Happy to save the money.

This is the first I’m hearing about light physical activity, so thank you very much!!!

I appreciate the feedback and now I’ll know what to do and not do if there is a next time. THX again.