Head injury and concussion

Read about head injuries and concussion, what symptoms to look out for, when to seek medical advice or treatment and how to care for a minor head injury.

Most head injuries are not serious, but it's important to get medical help for any symptoms. You might have concussion (a temporary brain injury) that can last a few weeks.

You may need urgent medical help after a head injury, depending on your symptoms.

Call 999 if:

Someone has hit their head and:

  • has been knocked out and has not woken up
  • cannot stay awake or keep their eyes open
  • has a fit (seizure)
  • has fallen from a height of more than 1 metre or 5 stairs
  • has problems with their vision or hearing
  • has a black eye, but did not hit their eye
  • has clear fluid coming from their ears or nose
  • is bleeding from their ears or has bruising behind their ears
  • has new numbness or weakness in any part of their body
  • has problems with walking, balance, understanding, speaking or writing
  • hit their head at high speed, such as in a road accident
  • has a head wound with something inside it or has a dent in their head
  • has a bruise, swelling or large cut on their head and they are under 1 year old
  • their behaviour has changed, like being more irritable or distracted, or losing interest in things around them

Get help from NHS 111 if:

You or someone else have recently had a head injury and:

  • are being sick (vomiting)
  • are feeling dizzy
  • have a condition that thins your blood or take medicine that thins your blood
  • were drinking alcohol or taking drugs at the time of the injury
  • have any other symptoms you're worried about

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online. Call 111 if you need advice for a child under 5 years old.

If you’re told to go to A&E, do not drive yourself there if you have hit your head.

The person you speak to will give you advice about what to do.

If you have been sent home from hospital with a minor head injury, or you do not need to go to hospital, you can usually look after yourself or your child at home.

You might have symptoms for up to 2 weeks after a head injury.

Do

  • hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a tea towel to the area regularly for short periods in the first few days to bring down any swelling

  • rest and avoid stress – you or your child do not need to stay awake if you're tired

  • take painkillers such as paracetamol for headaches

  • make sure an adult stays with you or your child for at least the first 24 hours

Don't

  • do not go back to work or school until you're feeling better

  • do not drive until you feel you have fully recovered

  • do not play contact sports for at least 3 weeks – children should avoid rough play for a few days

  • do not take drugs

  • do not drink alcohol until you're feeling better

  • do not take sleeping pills while you're recovering unless a doctor advises you to

See a GP if:

  • symptoms of a head injury last more than 2 weeks
  • you're not sure if it's safe to drive or return to work, school or sports after a head injury