How do you treat a head injury?
How to treat a minor head injury
- hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas in a tea towel) to the injury regularly for short periods in the first few days to bring down any swelling.
- rest and avoid stress – you or your child do not need to stay awake if you’re tired.
When should you seek treatment for a head injury?
When should I see my doctor? You should see your doctor after a head injury if you have any of the symptoms listed above. You should see your doctor right away or go to the emergency room if you have bad headaches, repeated vomiting, difficulty using your arms or legs, or worsening sleepiness or confusion.
What are signs that a head injury is serious?
The people checking on you should take you to an emergency department right away if you have: Headache that gets worse and does not go away. Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination. Repeated vomiting or nausea. Slurred speech. Look very drowsy or cannot wake up. Have one pupil (the black part in the middle of the eye) larger than the other. Have convulsions or seizures. Cannot recognize people or places.
What are the symptoms of a serious head injury?
Symptoms of a serious head injury may include severe headache, nausea or vomiting, and the person could appear confused, disorientated or not quite ‘with it’. There may be irritability and loss of coordination. Other warning signs are: Seek emergency medical attention if there are any signs of a serious head injury.
When hitting your head is serious?
Occasionally, a blow to the head may be severe enough to cause bleeding in or around the brain. This type of bleeding can cause an intracranial hematoma, a serious condition that puts pressure on the brain. See a doctor within one to two days of a significant head injury with ongoing symptoms, even if emergency care isn’t required.
What should I watch for after a head injury?
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Short term memory loss
- Alcohol intoxication
- Seizure
- Physical evidence of trauma to the head or neck
- Age over 60
Symptoms of a serious head injury may include severe headache, nausea or vomiting, and the person could appear confused, disorientated or not quite ‘with it’. There may be irritability and loss of coordination. Other warning signs are: Seek emergency medical attention if there are any signs of a serious head injury.
Occasionally, a blow to the head may be severe enough to cause bleeding in or around the brain. This type of bleeding can cause an intracranial hematoma, a serious condition that puts pressure on the brain. See a doctor within one to two days of a significant head injury with ongoing symptoms, even if emergency care isn’t required.