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

Head injuries range from mild concussions to life-threatening trauma. Knowing when to seek care is crucial.

Seek Emergency Care Immediately (Call 911 or Go to ER) If:

• Loss of consciousness, even briefly.
• Confusion, disorientation, or memory loss.
• Seizures or convulsions.
• Slurred speech or difficulty walking/balance.
• Vision changes (double vision, blurred vision).
• Persistent or worsening vomiting.
• Severe or worsening headache.
• Clear fluid or blood from ears/nose.
• Unequal pupil size.
• Weakness/numbness on one side.
• Signs of skull fracture (deformity, bruising behind ears/around eyes).

Contact a Doctor Promptly If:

• Mild concussion symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, light/noise sensitivity, concentration difficulty.
• Symptoms persist beyond 2 days or worsen.
• You are pregnant, on blood thinners, or have a bleeding disorder.
• Uncertainty about severity.

Home Care for Minor Injuries (Only If No Red Flags Above)

• Rest physically and cognitively (limit screens, reading).
• Apply ice pack (wrapped) for 20 min/hour to reduce swelling.
• Acetaminophen for pain (avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen initially due to bleeding risk).
• Stay hydrated; avoid alcohol.
• Sleep normally but have someone check periodically for first 24 hours.

When in doubt, get checked out. Delayed complications (subdural hematoma, post-concussion syndrome) can emerge hours to days later.