Head injuries and concussion: when to get help
In short: after a knock to the head, watch for danger signs such as worsening headache, repeated vomiting, confusion or drowsiness, and get emergency help if they appear. Anyone who may have a concussion should stop the activity and get checked by a health professional.
What a concussion is
A concussion is a mild brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or body that makes the brain move quickly. You don't have to be knocked out to have one. Signs can appear straight away or over the next hours or days.
Common signs of concussion
- Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
- Feeling dazed, confused or "foggy"
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Feeling sick or vomiting
- Blurred vision, or sensitivity to light or noise
- Trouble concentrating or remembering
- Feeling more emotional, irritable or tired than usual
- Sleep changes
Danger signs: get emergency help
Call 911 or your local emergency number if, after a head injury, someone:
- Has a headache that gets worse and doesn't go away
- Vomits repeatedly, or has a seizure
- Is very drowsy or can't be woken
- Has slurred speech, weakness, numbness or poor coordination
- Is increasingly confused, restless or agitated, or behaves unusually
- Has one pupil larger than the other
- Was knocked out, even briefly
- Has clear fluid or blood coming from the nose or ears
Take extra care with young children, older adults and people taking blood thinners.
Recovery
- Stop the activity straight away. In sport: "When in doubt, sit them out."
- Rest for the first day or two, then slowly return to light activity as symptoms allow.
- Avoid alcohol, and limit screens if they make symptoms worse.
- Return to sport, driving and full work or school only once cleared by a health professional.
- See a doctor if symptoms don't improve over a couple of weeks.
Sources
- CDC: Concussion signs and symptoms
- CDC: HEADS UP
- MedlinePlus: Concussion