Head Injury Advice

• hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas in a tea towel) to the injury 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 paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve pain or a headache – do not use aspirin as it could cause the injury to bleed

• make sure an adult stays with you or your child for at least the first 24 hours – call 111 for advice if there's nobody who can stay with you

• 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 or drink alcohol until you're feeling better

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

• been knocked out but have now woken up
• been vomiting since the injury
• a headache that does not go away with painkillers
• You or your child could have concussion.
  Symptoms usually start within 24 hours, but sometimes may not appear for up to 3 weeks.
• a change in behaviour, like being more irritable
• problems with memory
• been drinking alcohol or taking drugs just before the injury
• a blood clotting disorder (like haemophilia) or take blood-thinners (like warfarin)
• had brain surgery in the past

 REMEMBER THIS IS GENERIC ADVICE E.R MEDICAL ALWAYS RECOMMEND YOU SEEK PROMPT MEDICAL TREATMENT SHOULD YOUR SYMPTOMS CHANGE, WORSEN OR YOU ARE IN ANY WAY CONCERNED.

NHS 111 IS AVAILABLE 24/7 BY CALLING 111.

999 SHOULD ONLY BE USED IN LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCIES