In some Pacific Islands, around 15% of head injuries are due to coconut-related incidents. This surprising fact highlights an overlooked cause of traumatic brain injury.
The Case
In a notable case, a 54-year-old woman was struck on the head by a coconut while at a coconut plantation. Following the incident, she experienced vomiting and a nosebleed but was conscious when she arrived at the hospital, although she struggled to communicate clearly.
A CT scan revealed bleeding in her brain, particularly in the corpus callosum (CC), the area that connects the brain's two halves. On the second day of her hospital stay, a repeat CT scan showed that the hemorrhage had doubled in size, measuring about 3.5 cm × 1.0 cm × 1.5 cm. Unfortunately, her condition was also marked by expressive aphasia and a drop in her consciousness. The doctors suspected this decline was due to increased intracranial pressure. So, they kept her under careful watch.
Her treatment included oxygen therapy and a powerful diuretic called mannitol to help reduce the swelling of her brain. On the third day, she regained full consciousness and was able to communicate effectively, which was a positive sign of her recovery. She ultimately left the hospital with a plan for follow-up care.
The weight of a coconut (about 2 to 4 kg) and the height of the trees (up to 30 meters) mean that when a coconut falls, it can cause significant injuries. To put this into perspective, an object weighing 3 kg falling from 30 meters can generate an impact force of approximately 1,470 Newtons. That’s like being hit in the head with a small bowling ball! This case underscores that head injuries from coconuts can be as serious as those from more common causes, such as car accidents.
So, the next time you find yourself lounging under a coconut tree, it might be wise to consider a hard hat instead of just a beach hat! It’s a friendly reminder that sometimes, the most surprising threats can come from above. After all, while coconuts may look harmless swaying in the breeze, they have the potential to turn a sunny day into a trip to the hospital. Just remember: safety first, or you might end up with more than just a sunburn!
About the scientific paper:
First author: Hanan Anwar Rusidi, Indonesia.
Published: Journal of Trauma and Injury. March 2024.
Link to paper: https://www.jtraumainj.org/journal/view.php?number=1294
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