Emergency Department and Minor Injury Unit
You have been given this information because you or the person you care for has been diagnosed with a head injury. At this time there is no suggestion that there is a serious injury.
Head injuries are very common and the majority of people have no concerning features or problems. Many people may continue to need observation into the following day after a head injury, and this can be done at home with a sensible adult.
After a head injury some minor symptoms may continue such as:
- Increased tiredness – you may sleep as normal, but it is concerning if you are drowsy.
- Loss of appetite – mild sickness is common after a head injury. Ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol.
- Headache – painkillers should be given regularly as directed on the packet.
- Changes in behaviour – you may have difficulty concentrating on tasks such as reading or writing.
Most minor symptoms will settle with regular painkillers and rest from television, computers and intensive reading.
Driving, operating machinery and making important decision should be limited until symptoms have improved.
Returning to contact sports or physical exertion should be avoided for 24 hours and re-introduced when symptoms have resolved. If you compete in sports with possible head impacts, please discuss returning to this with your doctor.
Further information about symptoms after a head injury can be obtained from visiting the headway website.
Seek medical attention
You should seek medical attention if any of the following symptoms occur:
- Drowsy and difficult to rouse
- Vomiting more than once
- Confusion or unable to understand what is being said to him or her
- Any event that which you may think is a fit
- A severe ongoing headache despite painkillers
- Bleeding or a watery discharge from the nose or ears
- Symptoms that resemble a stroke, for example; weakness or loss of use of the arm, leg or face
Treating pain
If needed, painkiller options include the following:
Paracetamol is usually recommended for painful sprains or strains.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) relieve pain and may also limit inflammation and swelling. You can buy some types (for example, ibuprofen) at pharmacies, without a prescription either topically as a cream, or as tablets. You should check the medication advice leaflet to ensure you are safe to take these as some patients with asthma or stomach ulcers may not be able to.
Further Information
For further advice and information about your condition, please choose from the following:
- ‘NHS Patient Choices’ website: www.nhs.uk
- ‘Making Lives Better’ patient website: www.patient.info
- Telephone NHS 111
- Contact your General Practitioner
Contact details
- The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW
Telephone: 01642 850850 - The Friarage, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 1JG
Telephone: 01609 779911 - Redcar Primary Care Hospital, West Dyke Road, Redcar, TS10 4NW
Telephone: 01642 511000
If you have any medical concerns or need advice please contact 111, for further information regarding this leaflet please contact: [email protected] This email will be monitored 9am until 4pm Monday to Friday.
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, fo example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]