Mild head injury / Concussion

What is concussion?

Concussion – also known as minor head injury – is commonly caused by falls, road crashes, assaults and sports accident. The effects of concussion can leave people with symptoms including dizziness, nausea, confusion or an inability to process or retain information, sensitivity to light, and vision distortion.

When should I seek medical advice after concussion?

Following an injury to the head, if you experience any of the following symptoms in the next few days you should go to your nearest Emergency Department as soon as possible:

• Loss of consciousness

 • Increasing disorientation

• New deafness in one or both ears

 • Problems understanding or speaking

• Loss of balance or problems walking 

• Blurred or double vision

• Any weakness in one or both arms and legs 

• Inability to be woken

• Any vomiting

 • Bleeding from one or both ears

• Clear fluid coming out of your ears or nose

 • Any fits (collapsing or passing out suddenly)

• Drowsiness when you would normally be wide awake

 • Severe headache not relieved by painkillers such as paracetamol

Dos and don’ts in the first few days after injury:

• DO make sure you stay within reach of a telephone and medical help in the next few days

• DO have plenty of rest and avoid stressful situations

• DO show this factsheet to a friend or family member who can keep an eye on your condition

• DO take painkillers such as paracetamol for headaches

• DON’T stay at home alone for 48 hours after leaving hospital

• DON’T drink alcohol until you feel better

• DON’T take aspirin or sleeping tablets without consulting a doctor

• DON’T return to work until you feel ready

• DON’T play any contact sport for at least three weeks without consulting your doctor

• DON’T return to driving until you feel you have recovered. If in doubt consult your doctor.

Dr Natesan Damodaran Neuro Surgeon