Head Injury, Age 4 and Older

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Breathing stops for longer than 15 seconds. See the topic Dealing With Emergencies.
• Unconsciousness develops at any time after the injury.
• The head injury caused a deformity of the skull, such as a sunken spot (depression), bone fragments, or exposed brain (open head injury).
• An obvious wound penetrates the skull, such as a knife or gunshot wound (open head injury). Do not remove objects from the wound.
• A seizure occurs. Protect the person from injury during the seizure.
• Signs of shock are present.
• Severe bleeding does not slow during the first 15 minutes of direct pressure. See how to stop bleeding.
• Signs of a serious spinal injury are present, including:
  • Inability to move any part of the body (paralysis), and the inability to move is not caused by a direct injury to that part of the body or severe pain.
  • Severe pain in the neck or back.
  • Weakness, tingling, or numbness in the arms or legs.
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control.
• Signs of a serious head injury are present, such as:
  • Memory loss (amnesia).
  • Confusion or not acting normal. A child with a head injury may be very fussy, fretful, or may cry constantly.
  • A severe headache, or a headache that continues to get worse.
  • Difficulty waking up or extreme sleepiness.
  • Difficulty speaking or slurred speech.
  • Loss of vision in one or both eyes, changes in the size or shape of the pupils and the reaction to light or abnormal eye movements, such as jerking motions or the eyes not working together.
  • Dizziness, vertigo, or unsteadiness that prevents standing or walking.
  • Persistent nausea and vomiting.
  • Severe stiff neck.

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Yes	Have you had a head injury but you do not have signs of a serious head injury?
Yes	Is your scalp still bleeding after a head injury?
Yes	Do you have any signs of a skull fracture?
Yes	Have you vomited after a head injury?
Yes	Do you have a headache after a head injury?
Yes	Do you think an injury was caused by abuse?
Yes	Have you had any new or ongoing symptoms after a head injury?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Neck pain: Go to the topic Neck Pain.
• Back pain: Go to the topic Back Pain.
• Fever: Go to the topic Fever, Age 4 and Older.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: July 9, 2008
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
© 1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.