Polytrauma describes multiple complex injuries of the brain and body typically caused by explosive blasts from car bombs, shells and flying shrapnel. The condition is commonly characterized by multiple head injuries, vision and hearing loss, nerve damage, multiple bone fractures, unhealed body wounds and infections – either of which can be life threatening.

Others injuries may include severed limbs or spinal cord damage with the majority of patients experiencing some amount of traumatic brain injury. The complexity and severity of injuries sustained may also lead to emotional or behavioural challenges.

Trauma and critical care specialists help patients sustain trauma and recover from unexpected and very challenging life’s situations.

Polytrauma severely affects many areas of the body at once and in highly unpredictable manners, it is not easy to link the symptoms to particular locations of the body. To ensure proper diagnosis and treatment, the healthcare specialist should understand the complexity of the injuries.