Minor Head Injury

Learn more about minor head injury and how it is treated.

Overview

A head injury is any trauma that leads to an injury of the scalp, skull or brain. Injuries can range from a minor bump on the head to serious brain injury.

To prevent head injuries, wear a helmet when you perform activities that may put you at risk of hitting your head. These activities include bicycling, ice skating, roller blading, skate boarding, skiing, snowboarding and riding electric scooters.

Your care

Learn more about the care provided in the Emergency Department at Mount Sinai Hospital.

This content is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used or relied upon for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. It does not replace the need for consultation with a health-care professional. Please speak with your health-care professional for questions about your health.

Symptoms

Symptoms of head injury

The following signs and symptoms may indicate that you have a head injury:

Headache
Dizziness
Difficulty concentrating
Tiredness or changes in sleep patterns
Nausea
Feeling off balance
Temporary blurring of vision
Anxiety and/or irritability

Symptoms of a head injury usually resolve within a week. However, in some cases symptoms may persist for weeks or, rarely, months. If the symptoms of your minor head injury have not resolved within one week, schedule an appointment with your family doctor.

Managing at home

During the 24 hours following your head injury, you and/or a caregiver should watch for symptoms, such as increasing drowsiness and/or confusion. These symptoms can point to a more serious injury.

The following strategies can help you manage a head injury at home:

Take acetaminophen for pain
Avoid aspirin, other pain/narcotic medication or sleeping medication unless advised otherwise
Reduce the use of electronics, such as cell phones, computers or television, as these can make your symptoms worse
Avoid alcohol and stimulants, such as coffee
Avoid operating heavy machinery or other dangerous equipment
Avoid playing contact sports (such as, football, hockey, rugby and lacrosse) until you are seen by your family physician
Wait for a physician to give you permission to return to any activity that may put you at risk for another head injury

When to return to the ED

Return to the Emergency Department if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Severe or worsening headache, even after you take acetaminophen
Persistent vomiting
Increasing drowsiness or confusion
Poor co-ordination or new weakness of your arms or legs
Watery or bloody discharge from your nose or ears
Seizure