A personal tribute to the Monklands and
Southern General Hospital in Glasgow

In late February 2009, I was suffering severe headaches - my doctor said it was a virus.  My son took me to the Monklands A&E  where a young lady doctor gave me a full checkup including a CT scan.  She quickly made some arrangements and I was rushed to Ward 64 of the Southern General in Glasgow.
I had to have emergency surgery for an Acute on Chronic Sub Dural Haematoma - a  blood clot on the brain.
  I cannot emphasise how grateful I am to the Monklands A&E, the  Neurological team of Mr Philip Barlow and all the nursing staff  at the Southern General -  they saved my life.
A special mention for Mark Whyte.

Well done Monklands and Southern General- if you are representative of the NHS there is not much wrong with it.

(Because I was on Warfarin it was construed that the bleeding was not caused by a bump but most likely was spontaneous.)

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Look out for Symptoms of Subdural Hematoma

(The symptoms are similar to an epidural haematoma or extradural haematoma which caused the death of Natasha Richardson in a tragic skiing accident in Canada.)  see article by David Mendelow

see also  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subdural_hematoma

Subdural hematoma is a kind of head injury in which bleeding occurs into the space between the dura (i.e., the outer covering of the brain) and the brain itself. The bleeding in the subdural space can put undue pressure on the delicate brain tissues and can cause several neurological disorders. Subdural hematoma is considered a serious medical condition and needs emergency medical care.

Most often subdural hematoma is a result of some serious injury to the head. Injuries to the head may stretch the brain tissues and can cause the blood vessels to burst, resulting in bleeding. Sometimes, however, it can also be caused by a medical condition known as cerebral aneurysm, which causes spontaneous bursting of blood vessels. The brain is capable of withstanding minor movement, but it may not absorb a sudden blow. In such a case, the brain hits against the inner wall of the skull and is itself damaged. Subdural hematoma is more like to happen to an elderly or alcoholic person. Also, someone on anticoagulant medicines such as Warfarin is more likely to suffer a subdural hematoma.

The common symptoms of subdural hematoma may or may not be visible immediately after a head injury. It can remain dormant up to 2-4 weeks before showing any symptoms.

Common symptoms are –
dizziness
headache
seizures
weakness or lethargy
amnesia
nausea
vomiting
slurring of speech
blurred vision
sense of disorientation.

Patients with subdural hematoma should be immediately treated by a doctor. Besides a through neurological check-up, a CT scan or MRI scan should be performed to detect a subdural hematoma. Treatment is determined by the size and the extent of hematoma. Small subdural hematomas may be treated with medication under proper medical observation. In bigger hematomas, however, surgical procedure is the only option. There are two types of surgical treatment available – perforation and craniotomy.
In perforation technique, a small hole is made into the skull and the blood is sucked out. In craniotomy, which is done for treating large hematomas, a portion of the skull is cut open and the blood is drained out. Proper post-operative care and observation is required for a long period of time because the recovery is often prolonged.

It is important that certain safety measures are taken to avoid head injuries.

For all outdoor activities and sports, the safety measures should always be followed. Wear proper protective gear when you take part in any such activities.

This means if cycling or motor cycling -

WEAR a Crash Helmet!!

Motorcycle riders should always wear a crash helmet, it’s a legal requirement and can prevent or reduce serious head or neck injuries.

While sitting in a vehicle, buckle up your seat belt properly.
And always get yourself examined by a doctor if you have had an injury to the head, even if it shows no adverse effect immediately.

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http://www.headway.org.uk/default.asp

Headway is here to help

See also Brain & Spine Foundation

Headway is a charity set up to give help and support to people affected by brain injury. It does this in a number of ways:

Locally

A network of local Groups and Branches throughout the UK offers a wide range of services, including rehabilitation programmes, carer support, social re-integration, community outreach and respite care. The services available will vary, depending on local needs and resources.

Nationally

Headway UK provides support to the local Groups and Branches and helps to deliver high quality services through guidance on policies, procedures, standards and training. Additionally:

• The Headway UK Helpline provides information, advises on sources of support, finds local rehabilitation services and offers a listening ear to those experiencing problems.
• We publish a range of booklets containing information about aspects of brain injury that will be helpful to those directly affected, plus professionals, employers and members of the public
• We promote understanding of brain injury and its effects
• We lobby for better support and resources to be made available by statutory health and social care providers.
• We campaign for measures that will reduce the number of brain injuries

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Scotland Web Pages

Scotland Development Manager
Pauline Linn
headway.scotland@lineone.net
0131 537 9481
Administrator
Liz Shannon
headway.scotland@lineone.net
0131 537 9481
Highland Regional Coordinator
Brian Clingan
highland.regional.co-ordinator@headway.org.uk
01744 452 452/ 07833365858

Headway Motherwell

Contact: Sandra McGinty
Telephone No: 01698 350399
s.mcginty60@btinternet.com
Website: headway-motherwell.org.uk

Brain and Spine Helpline
Brain and Spine Foundation
7 Winchester House
Kennington Park
Cranmer Road
London SW9 6EJ
Tel: 0808 808 1000
www.brainandspine.org.uk
(Information and support on neurological disorders for patients, carers and health professionals)

Brain and Spinal Injury Charity (BASIC)
Neurocare Centre
554 Eccles New Road
Salford
Greater Manchester M5 2AL
Tel: 0870 750 0000
www.basiccharity.org.uk
(Information, research and support groups)

DVLA Drivers Medical Group
DVLA
Longview Road,
Swansea SA99 1TU
Tel: 01792 783686
(Fitness to drive)

NHS Direct
Tel: 0845 4647
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
(Medical advice and information on NHS services)