Minor Head Injury Advice for patients 16 years or older

This leaflet is intended to reinforce verbal advice given. 

Minor injuries & knocks to the head are common and as long as you are able to recollect the events and have not sustained a wound it is unlikely you have sustained serious brain damage. The risk is increased if you are taking medicines to thin your blood e.g. Warfarin, Aspirin, Clopidogrel. 

What to expect?

It is usual to develop the following syptoms over the next 2 weeks:

• Headaches which settle with simple painkillers.

• Memory problems - more forgetful or needing to think harder to do simple tasks.

• Poor concentration.

• Emotional - mey become tearful or become easily annoyed.

• Light headed or dizzy.

• Nausea/feel sick but not actually vomit.

• Poor sleep/Tiredness.

How do I help myself?

• AVOID contact sports until you feel better (approximately 3 weeks).

• AVOID sleeping pills & sedatives; these will make you feel worse.

• AVOID alcohol,  recreational drugs and heavily caffeinated drinks.

• DO drink plenty of fluids.

• DO take regular painkillers (Paracetamol) according to manufacturer's instructions.

• DO take regular breaks and avoid stressful/noisy environments.

• DO stay with a responsible person for at least 48 hours who is able to act should you become unwell.

When should I return to the Emergency Department?

If any of the following occur after a head injury the patient should return immediately to the Victoria Emergency Departebt for reassessment to rule out serious brain injury;

• Sudden severe headache not relieved with simple pain killers.

• 2 or more episodes of vomiting.

• The patient appears very confused, does not make any sense.

• Very difficult to wake the patient up and keep them awake.

• Has new weakness of the arm, leg or both. 

• Has a seizure or collapses and is confused afterwards. 

• Has fluid coming out of the ear/nose.

• Blurred vision or double vision.

Prevention:

Some head injuries are proventable y taking some simple safety precautions such as:

• Wearing a helmet while cycling or working at heights

• Drinking within moderation.

• Removing obstacles from your path.