Head Injury: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Hard Knock

Seek immediate medical attention if:

- You experience any neurological symptoms, such as:

- Confusion or disorientation

- Memory loss

- Seizures

- Slurred speech

- Difficulty walking or balancing

- You have pain that doesn't improve after 2 days or gets worse.

- Your vision changes or you see double.

- You have persistent nausea or vomiting.

- Your bruise looks infected (increased pain, redness, warmth, or drainage)

- You have any other concerns about your injury.

Consider seeing a doctor if:

- You have a mild concussion, such as:

- Headache

- Nausea or vomiting

- Dizziness or lightheadedness

- Sensitivity to light or noise

- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things

- You are pregnant or have other medical conditions that may put you at risk for complications.

- You are not sure whether you should see a doctor.

You can usually treat a mild head injury at home with:

- Resting

- Using ice or a cold compress to reduce swelling

- Applying over-the-counter pain relievers if needed

- Staying hydrated

- Avoiding alcohol and drugs

- Getting plenty of sleep

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.