Head injury and concussion

A guide for patients and carers

What are the signs of a serious injury?

Features that would cause concern after a head injury are:

 

  • A bad headache that gets worse or doesn’t go away within four to six hours
    after the injury occurred.
  • Drowsiness, if it lasts for more than two hours, or if the person is difficult to
    wake up. A certain amount of drowsiness is very common after a head injury, especially in young children.
  • Confusion and disorientation.
  • Feeling sick or actually vomiting is common following a head injury, but if it
    is persistant or appears to be getting worse, it could be serious.

What should I do if I am worried?

  • During working hours ring your GP. You must be prepared to give details
    of how the injury occurred and describe the state of the injured person.
    Your doctor will then decide what to do next.
  • If you cannot contact your doctor, take the person to the nearest hospital
    accident and emergency department.
  • In an emergency dial 999 and ask for an ambulance. This should be
    reserved for the more serious cases, or if the person’s condition is getting
    worse.
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Head injury and concussion

ISBN 1 901893 20 0
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