What should you do for a concussion

Urgent advice: Go to A&E if:

You or your child have had a head injury and have:

• been knocked out but have now woken up
• vomited (been sick) since the injury
• a headache that does not go away with painkillers
• a change in behaviour, like being more irritable or losing interest in things around you (especially in children under 5)
• been crying more than usual (especially in babies and young children)
• problems with memory
• been drinking alcohol or taking drugs just before the injury
• a blood clotting disorder (like haemophilia) or you take medicine to thin your blood
• had brain surgery in the past

You or your child could have concussion. Symptoms usually start within 24 hours, but sometimes may not appear for up to 3 weeks.

You should also go to A&E if you think someone has been injured intentionally.

Find your nearest A&E

Immediate action required: Call 999 if:

Someone has hit their head and has:

• been knocked out and has not woken up
• difficulty staying awake or keeping their eyes open
• a fit (seizure)
• fallen from a height more than 1 metre or 5 stairs
• problems with their vision or hearing
• a black eye without direct injury to the eye
• clear fluid coming from their ears or nose
• bleeding from their ears or bruising behind their ears
• numbness or weakness in part of their body
• problems with walking, balance, understanding, speaking or writing
• hit their head at speed, such as in a car crash, being hit by a car or bike or a diving accident
• a head wound with something inside it or a dent to the head

Also call 999 if you cannot get someone to A&E safely.

Help from NHS 111

If you're not sure what to do, call 111 or get help from 111 online.

NHS 111 can tell you the right place to get help.

How to care for a minor head injury

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 of concussion, such as a slight headache or feeling sick or dazed, for up to 2 weeks.

Do

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

  If someone is confused or unconscious after an injury to the head, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

  Key facts

  • Concussion is a head injury caused by a knock or blow to the head or a sudden change in motion.
  • Concussions are common in contact sports such as football and boxing.
  • Common symptoms of concussion are confusion, memory loss, vomiting and vision or speech problems.
  • If you think someone has had a concussion while playing sport, they should not return to play that day, even if they feel well.
  • The main treatment for concussion is rest, followed by a gradual return to physical and mental activity.

  What is concussion?

  Concussion is minor traumatic brain injury usually caused by a blow to the head. Most people who have concussion will recover on their own within 2 weeks, but complications can occur. It is important that people with concussion rest and that their recovery is monitored.

  What are the symptoms of concussion?

  The most common symptom of concussion is confusion and/or memory loss about the event that led to the head injury.

  Other common early symptoms of concussion include:

  Concussion does not always cause a person to become unconscious.

  More subtle signs of concussion may include:

  • difficulty concentrating
  • sensitivity to noise or light
  • behavioural or emotional changes
  • feeling dazed
  • fatigue

  CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

  What causes concussion?

  Concussion happens when the brain hit the inside of the skull. A concussion can be caused by many things, for example, a blow to the head or a car accident. Concussion can also result from a sudden change in motion. This is why concussion is a common sporting injury, especially in contact sports, such as Australian rules football, rugby league and rugby. Activities with a high risk of falls, such as horse riding, cycling and skiing, are also common causes of concussion.

  What should I do if I think someone has concussion?

  If someone is confused or unconscious after an injury to the head, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

  • If you think someone has concussion after a head injury, follow the steps of basic first aid (DRABCD).
  • If you suspect that the person has an injury to their spine, do not move them, and call an ambulance immediately. If you do not suspect a spinal injury, place the person in a comfortable position, with their head slightly raised.
  • Control any bleeding by applying pressure to the wound with a clean piece of fabric or gauze.
  • Do not allow the person to return to the sport or activity, even if the symptoms have resolved and they feel well.
  • Seek urgent medical attention.

  The Concussion recognition tool 5 (CRT5) can be used to help you recognise the symptoms of concussion in both children and adults, and help you decide what to do next.

  You can also use the HeadCheck app, developed by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, to help you recognise the signs of concussion in children and adolescents.

  How will I be diagnosed?

  There is no single test to diagnose concussion.

  If your doctor thinks you or your child have had a concussion, they will ask about the event that caused the head injury. If you have a video recording of the event, show it to your doctor, as it can help them understand exactly what happened.

  Your doctor will perform a physical examination. They may refer you for tests such as a computerised tomography (CT) scan of your head. A CT can be used to determine how severe a concussion is, and to rule out other serious injuries.

  If you have signs of severe injury, your doctor may refer you to an emergency department for further investigation and observation.

  What treatment will I need?

  If you have had concussion, it is important to see a doctor. It’s also a good idea to stay with a responsible adult in case you have further symptoms.

  Do not drive, drink alcohol or take medicines such as aspirin, anti-inflammatories, sleeping pills and sedating pain medicines until your doctor tells you it's okay.

  After having a concussion, you need to rest, both physically and mentally. Children should stay home from school and avoid screen time.

  You can return to school or work after resting for 24 to 48 hours, as long as it doesn’t make your symptoms worse. It’s best to increase the load on the brain gradually.

  You can return to light physical activity after resting for 24 to 48 hours, as long as this doesn’t worsen your symptoms. It will take some time for you to return to full sporting activity.

  For information on returning to sport, visit the Concussion in Sport website.

  If you or your child’s symptoms gets worse in the first few weeks of recovery, or you are concerned, see your doctor.

  What are my chances of full recovery after concussion?

  Most people recover fully within 2 weeks, although children usually take longer to recover. Some people have symptoms for longer, especially people who have had a head injury before.

  A small number of people have longer-term complications such as ‘persistent post-concussive syndrome’, which is when concussion symptoms continue for longer than 3 months after the event.

  How do you treat a concussion at home?

  Rest in a quiet, dark room until your headache is gone. Close your eyes and try to relax or go to sleep..

  Taking slow, deep breaths..

  Soaking in a warm bath..

  Listening to soothing music..

  Having a massage or back rub..

  Drinking a warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverage..

  What is the best thing to do for a concussion?

  During the first 24 hours acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used for pain relief. After the first 24 hours, ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen sodium (Naprosyn, Aleve) are generally more effective for pain relief, and are safe. In some patients, nausea and vomiting can be bothersome, and prescription medications can help.

  What should you not do after a concussion?

  Rest (for 1–2 days after the concussion).

  Relax at home. ... .

  Avoid or cut down on screen time. ... .

  Don't drive..

  Avoid all sports and any activities (such as roughhousing with friends, or riding a bike or skateboard) that could lead to another head injury..

  Sleep:.

  Do hot showers help concussions?

  Stress can make symptoms worse. Help calm yourself by resting in a quiet place and imagining a peaceful scene. Relax your muscles by soaking in a hot bath or taking a hot shower. Take over-the-counter acetaminophen to relieve headache pain.