Head injury

Road traffic accidents are one of the most common causes of severe head injuries. They can also result from falls, assault, and accidents either in the home or the workplace.

If someone is unconscious following a head injury, even if it is for a short period of time, they should always visit the hospital. This is so that they can be fully assessed, to check that they have not caused any serious damage to their head, or the rest of their body.

If you are uncertain about what to do then contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

If the person has been unconscious, has had a fit or may have a bleeding wound then ring 999.

When this happens:

DO

• Make sure the person is safe and not in any danger (from other things hitting them)
• place in the recovery position  so that the mouth can drain of saliva, blood or vomit
• Be reassuring during the recovery period
• Stay with them until the emergency services arrive
• If there is a wound that is bleeding (scalp wounds can bleed considerably) cover with a clean dressing and apply pressure over the wound to control the bleeding
• Keep the dressing on the wound until the emergency services arrive
• If blood begins to ooze through the dressing add a further dressing over the first dressing (leave this in place)
• Keep the person sitting comfortable and not wandering around as they may still be confused   

Less severe bumps on the head

Where ever you are uncertain about the possible effects of a bump on the head then do seek advice from either your own general practice or NHS Direct.

• Following any bump on the head whether you have sought advice or not it is wise to keep an eye on the person who bumped their head particularly if they are young or old for the 24 hours after the accident.
• Patients often experience simple headaches, tiredness and irritability following head injury. These symptoms are best managed by resting and if required paracetamol will help. For children a liquid version of paracetamol (calpol) can be taken – follow the manufactures instructions up to 4 doses in the 24 hour period
• It is best to avoid loud music, television, reading and work if the symptoms are present

It is important to look out for the following and should they occur, to seek advice from your own doctor or NHS Direct

• Increasing drowsiness or confusion
• Severe headache despite painkillers
• Vomiting (more than just once)
• Changes in vision – double or blurred
• Unusual irritability or any twitching or fits
• An unusual watery discharge from nose or ear

Particularly for children – they will often vomit after a bump on the head and may feel tired and fall asleep. Don’t worry if it is a single vomit – if they do fall asleep waken them after half an hour. (be sure they were not knocked out at the time of the accident – if they were seek advice) – if they don’t seem to respond to you normally then call 999.

You can also look at their eyes – they should appear normal to you, if for any reason one pupil is obviously different to the other one seek advice

Particularly for the elderly – if after a fall or other bump on the head the individual seems to be acting in a strange way that you would not regard as normal for them then seek advice – this may even become noticeable even some days later