Head injury
Important guidelines for patients and their relatives:
The doctor has examined you to detect any immediate problems, but does not feel you need to stay in hospital. However, complications are not always obvious immediately following a head injury, so careful observation for at least 24 hours by a responsible adult is vital.
1. You are advised to rest for 1-2 days
2. DO NOT take any sedatives, such as sleeping tablets or tranquillisers, or alcohol. Only take analgesia (painkillers) if advised by a doctor.
Most blows to the head do not lead to serious complications, and the doctor expects complete recovery over the next day or two.
However, you are advised to return to Accident and Emergency IMMEDIATELY, if any of the following occur:
• Sickness or vomiting – more than 4 times,
• Intense or increasing headache that is not relieved after taking simple analgesia,
• Unusual drowsiness,
• Double vision,
• Weakness in any limb,
• Persistent leakage of fluid or bleeding from nose or ears.
