Paediatrics - Queensland Health - Queensland Government
Paediatrics - Queensland Health - Queensland Government
Paediatrics - Queensland Health - Queensland Government
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Ear problems<br />
600<br />
Traumatic rupture of the ear drum<br />
Related topics<br />
Trauma to teeth Head injuries<br />
Eye injuries<br />
Fractured mandible / jaw<br />
1. May present with<br />
• A history of the injury e.g.:<br />
- - a blow to the side of the head or an explosion, i.e. a pressure wave<br />
- - penetrating injury e.g. a sharp stick<br />
- - water forced into ear e.g. a fall from a height into water<br />
• Pain in the ear, reduced hearing and / or bleeding from the ear<br />
• Dizziness and nausea<br />
2. Immediate management<br />
• Management of life threatening injuries<br />
3. Clinical assessment<br />
• Obtain a complete patient history:<br />
-- ask about the circumstances and mechanism of injury<br />
-- time, date of occurrence and when first noticed<br />
-- does the patient have decreased hearing?<br />
• Perform standard clinical observations +<br />
-- conscious state if applicable<br />
• Perform physical examination. See Assessment of the ear<br />
-- note other injuries if present<br />
4. Management<br />
• Consult MO who will advise antibiotic ear drops if water penetrated the perforation<br />
e.g. fall into water. The ear should be kept dry until healed. Antibiotic eardrops are<br />
not necessary if hole was caused by dry trauma (blow to head)<br />
5. Follow up<br />
Review in 2 days and then weekly<br />
If perforation not healed in 2 weeks, consult MO<br />
6. Referral / consultation<br />
Consult MO on presentation and if perforation not healed in 2 weeks<br />
Controlled copy V1.0<br />
Primary Clinical Care Manual 2011
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