About this topic
A minor head injury may be due to any blunt trauma to the head. It is most often caused by a bump on the head from a fall or accident. Sometimes it is caused by a blow to the head with an object. A minor head injury often has: ‚
- No deep cuts
- No other serious injury on the head and face
You act normal, alert, and respond well after the injury. Minor head injuries do not cause serious problems and most often get better within a few days. Your signs slowly go away. You will need to keep track of how you feel after an injury. ‚
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What can make this more likely to happen?
- Prior head injury
- Car crash
- Other brain problems
- You are an athlete or active in high impact sports like soccer and football
- Falls
What are the main signs?
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Headache
- Changes in levels of awareness
- Confusion
- Trouble thinking and focusing
- Ringing in the ears
- A shallow cut
- Dizziness
- Feeling bothered by noise or light
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will take your history and do a full exam. This will include tests on the pupils of your eyes, your level of awareness, and your coordination. Your doctor may order: ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Your treatment will depend on how bad the head injury is. A mild head injury may be treated with rest and drugs to ease pain or headache. More severe injuries will need more treatment. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
Healing may take time so you need to be patient. ‚
- Make sure family and friends know of your injury and how to help.
- Rest your body.
- Do not work out or do other heavy activities. Light activity is OK.
- Check with your doctor about when you can return to your normal activities, like work.
- Rest your brain.
- Stay away from doing things that need a lot of thought or focus.
- Stay away from TV, computers, and video games.
- Check with your doctor to see when you can return to these things.
- Be as comfortable as possible.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice directly on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Take your pain-relieving drugs if your head hurts.
- Stay away from beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) until you fully recover.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding in the brain
- Damage to the brain which may lead to changes in mental, physical, and emotional behavior
- Trouble thinking or focusing
- Headaches
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Do not drive when you are taking drugs for pain or that cause you to be drowsy. Do not drink alcohol and drive. Do not drive when you are tired.
- Always wear a seatbelt when you drive or ride in a car.
- Wear proper protective equipment when you play sports.
- Wear a helmet. This is important when you ride a motorcycle or bicycle. Also wear a helmet when you skateboard, snowboard, rollerskate, or ski.
- Stay away from risky activities that may cause falls.
- Wear hard hats and protective gear. This is very important if you work in construction, on ladders, or do other dangerous jobs.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/index.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Head-injury-minor/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
http://www.nhsinform.co.uk/health-library/articles/h/head-injury-minor/introduction ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚