Most head injuries are not serious. You do not usually need to go to hospital and should make a full recovery within 2 weeks.
Urgent advice: Go to the emergency department (ED) after a head injury if you or your child have:
- been knocked out but have now woken up
- been vomiting since the injury
- a headache that does not go away with painkillers
- a change in behaviour, like being more irritable
- problems with memory
- been drinking alcohol or taking drugs just before the injury
- a blood clotting disorder (like haemophilia) or take blood-thinners (like warfarin)
- had brain surgery in the past
You or your child could have concussion.
Symptoms usually start within 24 hours but sometimes may not appear for up to 3 weeks.
Emergency action required: Call 999 or 112 if someone has hit their head and has:
- been knocked out and hasn't woken up
- difficulty staying awake or keeping their eyes open
- a fit (seizure)
- problems with their vision
- clear fluid coming from their ears or nose
- bleeding from their ears or bruising behind their ears
- numbness or weakness in part of their body
- problems with walking, balance, understanding, speaking or writing
- hit their head in a serious accident, such as a car crash
Also call 999 or 112 if you cannot get someone to ED safely.
How to treat a minor head injury
If you do not need to go to hospital, you can usually look after yourself or your child at home.
It's normal to have symptoms such as a slight headache, or feeling sick or dazed, for up to 2 weeks.
To help recovery:
Do
-
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
-
limit any activity that worsens symptoms (headache, fatigue, poor concentration) and consider reducing screen time from computer, TV or phone
-
take paracetamol to relieve pain or a headache – do not use ibuprofen or aspirin as they could cause the injury to bleed
-
make sure an adult stays with you or your child for at least the first 24 hours
Don't
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do not go back to work or school until you're feeling better
-
do not drive until you feel you've fully recovered
-
do not play contact sports for at least 3 weeks – children should avoid rough play for a few days
-
do not take drugs or drink alcohol until you're feeling better
-
do not take sleeping pills while you're recovering – unless a doctor advises you to
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- your or your child's symptoms last more than 2 weeks
- you're not sure if it's safe for you to drive or return to work, school or sports
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
