Occiput

Specific risks

Immobility is the biggest contributing factor to the development of an occiput wound. It is likely to occur early after a spinal cord injury when the person may require log rolling with head support.

People with cervical-level injuries are at higher risk due to muscle weakness and poor head control which impairs the ability to offload the head.

Halo braces increase head weight and create a fixed positioning of the head and neck.

Hard collars can place pressure on the occiput.

Hair care is important to prevent pressure from hair matting and/or removing debris that may be present from the initial injury.

These areas should be assessed by palpating for ‘boggy’, soft, or tender areas.