Cerebral compression occurs when there is a build up of pressure inside the skull. Cerebral compression can be caused by bleeding into the skull or swelling of the brain tissue after a head injury. It can also occur as the result of an infection (such as meningitis), stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident) or brain tumour.

Signs and Symptoms of Compression

• Deteriorating level of response – casualty may become unconscious
• Severe headache
• Noisy breathing
• Slow, yet full and strong pulse
• Unequal pupil sizes (‘blown pupil’)
• Weakness or paralysis down one side of the face or body (hemiplegia)
• Change of personality such as irritability or confusion.

First aid treatment for compression

Your primary aim is to get urgent advanced medical attention for the casualty

1. Call for emergency medical help immediately.
2. Monitor the casualty’s level of responsiveness, pulse and respiratory rate
3. Maintain the casualty’s airway if necessary.
4. Be prepared to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the casualty stops breathing.