Head injury and concussion

Go to A&E after a head injury if you or your child have:

• been knocked out but have now woken up
• been vomiting since the injury
• a headache that does not go away with painkillers
• a change in behaviour, like being more irritable
• problems with memory
• been drinking alcohol or taking drugs just before the injury
• a blood clotting disorder (like haemophilia) or take blood-thinners (like warfarin)
• had brain surgery in the past

You or your child could have concussion.

Symptoms usually start within 24 hours, but sometimes may not appear for up to 3 weeks.

Find your nearest A&E

Call 999 if someone has hit their head and has:

• been knocked out and has not woken up
• difficulty staying awake or keeping their eyes open
• a fit (seizure)
• problems with their vision
• clear fluid coming from their ears or nose
• bleeding from their ears or bruising behind their ears
• numbness or weakness in part of their body
• problems with walking, balance, understanding, speaking or writing
• hit their head in a serious accident, such as a car crash

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

How to treat a minor head injury

If you do not need to go to hospital, you can usually look after yourself or your child at home.

It's normal to have symptoms such as a slight headache, or feeling sick or dazed, for up to 2 weeks.

To help recovery: