HEAD INJURY

There are many different kinds of head injuries. Mild injuries happen nearly every day to young children at play, in automobile or work accidents, head injuries can be very serious. You cannot tell how bad the injury is by the size of the lump or selling. In head injuries, what happens inside the head is most important so you must observe how the person is acting.

What Are The Things You Should Watch For?

Extreme sleepiness.
Repeated vomiting.
Seizures or other unusual movements.
Marked restlessness.
Inability to move an arm or leg.
Fever.
Severe headache four hours after injury and in spite of taking aspirin or Tylenol®.
Confusion.
Different sized pupils (the dark opening in the middle of the eye.)

The first 24 hours after head injury is the most important time to watch for these signs. If you have seen the doctor, he may ask you to check these things every hour or possibly several times in the next 24 hours. If you have not seen the doctor, you should still watch for these things.

What Is The Home Treatment For Head Injury?

If there is swelling, an ice pack may prevent more swelling. After 24 hours, the ice pack will no longer be helpful.
Aspirin or Tylenol® will help relieve headache. Do not use stronger medicine without your doctor's advice. (Do not use aspirin in babies, children, or teenagers unless recommended by your doctor.)
Do not use sleeping pills or alcohol during the first 24 hours.

When Should You Call The Doctor?

Call your doctor if:

you or your child has been knocked out.
there is a cut that needs stitches.
you observe such things as vomiting, restlessness, severe headaches, etc. in a person who has had a head injury.

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