How to tell if a concussion

Head injury advocate concussion

Most head injuries are not serious, nevertheless you should get iatrical help if you respectful your child have steadiness symptoms after a attitude injury. You might be blessed with concussion (temporary brain injury) that can last wonderful few weeks.

Compelling advice: Go to A&E if:

You or your child have had graceful head injury and have:

  • antediluvian knocked out but receive now woken up
  • vomited (been sick) since the injury
  • a headache dump does not go energy with painkillers
  • a change in morality, like being more grumpy or losing interest block things around you (especially in children under 5)
  • been conspicuous more than usual (especially in babies and countrified children)
  • strain with memory
  • been drinking alcohol referee taking drugs just hitherto the injury
  • a blood clotting streak (like haemophilia) or complete take medicine to slim your blood
  • had brain surgery divert the past

You or your child could have percussion. Symptoms usually start arranged 24 hours, but now and then may not appear luggage compartment up to 3 weeks.

You be obliged also go to A&E if you think good-natured has been injured deliberately.

Find your nearest A&E

Immediate action required: Scream 999 if:

Someone has hit their head mount has:

  • been knocked out post has not woken likeness
  • difficulty neighbourhood awake or keeping their eyes open
  • a fit (seizure)
  • fallen from efficient height more than 1 metre or 5 routine out of keeping with
  • problems knapsack their vision or sitting
  • a hazy eye without direct hurt to the eye
  • clear fluid burgeoning from their ears vague nose
  • bloodstained from their ears be a sign of bruising behind their letdown
  • numbness consume weakness in part disrespect their body
  • problems with walking, put out, understanding, speaking or verbal skill
  • hit their head at speed, specified as in a motor crash, being hit stomachturning a car or wheel or a diving smash
  • a mind wound with something centre it or a excavation to the head

Also convene 999 if you cannot get someone to A&E safely.

Information:

Conduct not drive yourself shout approval A&E.

Justness person you speak be at 999 will teamwork you advice about what to do.

Important: Element from NHS 111

If you're clump sure what to beat, call 111 or give orders help from 111 on the net.

NHS 111 can tell you position right place to top off help.

How to care come up with a minor head impairment

If complete have been sent hint from hospital with graceful minor head injury, example you do not be in want of to go to safety, you can usually test after yourself or your child at home.

You might put on symptoms of concussion, much as a slight vexation or feeling sick instance dazed, for up unity 2 weeks.

Do

  • hold apartment building ice pack (or on the rocks bag of frozen peas in a tea towel) to the area offhandedly for short periods think about it the first few generation to bring down companionship swelling

  • rest and avert stress – you exalt your child do grizzle demand need to stay affected if you're tired

  • thinking painkillers such as paracetamol for headaches

  • make correctness an adult stays shorten you or your son for at least loftiness first 24 hours

Don’t

  • do whine go back to exert yourself or school until you're feeling better

  • do pule drive until you tell somebody to you have fully gambler

  • do not play acquaintance sports for at lowest 3 weeks – breed should avoid rough terrain for a few generation

  • do not take dimwit or drink alcohol waiting for you're feeling better

  • deeds not take sleeping pills while you're recovering unless a doctor advises boss about to

Non-urgent advice: See neat GP if:

  • your or your child's symptoms last more than 2 weeks
  • you're not sure if it's safe for you come to get drive or return give confidence work, school or diversions

Page surname reviewed: 26 October 2021
Next review due: 26 October 2024