What it is
Rest, avoiding screens and alcohol for a while, and a gradual return to work, school and sport help recovery.
Someone should stay with you for the first 24 hours after a head injury in case symptoms get worse.
Common signs
- Headache
- Dizziness or feeling sick
- Confusion or memory problems
- Feeling dazed
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Tiredness and irritability
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination and questions about the injury
- A CT scan if there are warning signs
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Emergency department letters
- Scan reports
- Notes on symptoms and recovery
- Return-to-sport plans
Questions to ask your doctor
- When can I go back to work, school or sport?
- What symptoms mean I should come back?
- What if symptoms last more than a few weeks?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Loss of consciousness, a seizure, repeated vomiting, worsening headache, confusion or clear fluid from the nose or ears: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.