Head injury

A doctor or nurse practitioner has examined you to detect any immediate problems but does not feel you need to stay in hospital.  However, complications are not always immediately obvious following head injury, so careful observation for at least 24 hours by a responsible adult is vital.

Rest:

Avoid alcohol, driving and strenuous exertion

Avoid too much mental stress, too much reading, watching TV and computer games.

Meals:

Food and drink should be taken in light easily digestible amounts

Medication:

Unless otherwise advised, take only simple painkilling tablets like paracetamol, ibuprofen or soluble aspirin.

FOR THE ATTENTION OF THE PERSON LOOKING AFTER YOU

Most blows to the head do not lead to serious complications and we expect complete recovery.  However, you are advised to bring the patient back to hospital immediately if she or he:

• Becomes unconscious
• Become increasingly sleepy i.e. more than expected and usual times of rest and sleep.
• Complains of increasingly severe and persistent headache which is unrelieved by rest and simple painkilling tablets.
• Persistent vomiting
• Complains of blurred or double vision
• Has persistent dizziness or giddiness
• Has a fit, convulsion or sense or weakness in any limb

On-going problems:

 Some people experience headaches, dizziness and poor concentration for a long time after a head injury, even if the injury seemed minor at the time.  This is normal.  You should rest as much a possible, avoid alcohol, and try to limit time spent at a computer screen.

 You should only worry if your symptoms GET WORSE i.e. your headaches get more severe, you have a fit, your speech becomes slurred or you lose coordination.

 IF ANY OF THESE HAPPEN YOU SHOULD RETURN TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY