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The hard skull and facial bones protect the brain, which is a soft organ. If these bones are injured then the brain becomes more vulnerable. When someone has a knock to the head, the brain moves about and can hit the skull and facial bones. This type of injury may cause the brain to swell and even bleed.
The most common type of head injury is concussion. Concussion may or may not be associated with loss of consciousness (blackout). The loss of consciousness is often brief and is normally followed by a rapid and complete recovery. Always seek medical attention for a head injury.
Medical care
While in the emergency department at hospital, you can expect:
- Observation
- Mild painkillers for any headache
- To have nothing to eat or drink until further advised
- Antinausea tablets for any nausea or vomiting
- An x-ray of the neck, if you have any neck pain
- A CT scan, if needed
- For a mild head injury, to be discharged home with family or friends. Ask for a certificate for work, if needed.
Taking care of yourself at home
Be guided by your doctor, but self-care suggestions include:
- Don’t drive home from the hospital. Ask someone to give you a lift or catch a taxi.
- Rest quietly for the day.
- Use icepacks over any swollen or painful area.
- Take simple painkillers such as paracetamol for any headache. Check the packet for the right dose.
- Arrange for someone to stay with you for the next 24 hours in case you need help.
- Don’t eat or drink for the first six to 12 hours, unless advised otherwise by the doctor.
- Once you can eat again, have small amounts of light food and drink in moderation.
- Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours.
- Don’t take sedatives or other drugs unless instructed by your doctor.
- Children are allowed to sleep, but should be woken every four hours to check their condition and gauge their reaction to familiar things.
What to expect
There is no specific treatment for mild head injury other than plenty of rest and not overdoing things. General recovery issues to keep in mind include:
- It is common to not be able to remember the events surrounding the head injury.
- It is normal to feel more tired than usual.
- It can take some time for the brain to recover from a head injury. During this time, headaches, dizziness and mild cognitive (thought) problems are common.
- Cognitive problems can include mood changes and difficulties with concentrating, remembering things and performing complex tasks.
- Most people make a full recovery and the symptoms only last a few days.
- Some people have ongoing symptoms. If this is the case, visit your local doctor.
When to seek urgent medical care
Seek urgent medical care if you have any of the following:
- Severe headaches
- Vomited more than twice
- Memory problems
- Blackouts
- A seizure (fit or spasm of arms, legs or face)
- Difficulty staying awake
- Blood or clear fluid coming from the ears or nose
- Neck stiffness
- Numbness, tingling, pins and needles, or weakness in the arms or legs
- Confusion, slurred speech or unusual behaviour
- Blurred or double vision
- Dizziness
- Any other concerns.
Going back to normal activities
It is best to wait until you are feeling better. Don’t go to work or school until you have fully recovered. The length of time to wait varies, as it depends on the type of work or study that you do and how severe the head injury was. Ask your doctor for advice.
Don’t return to sport until all symptoms have gone and you are feeling better. This is because reaction times and thinking will often be slower, so you are at risk of further injury. If you have another head injury before you have fully recovered, this may be even worse than the first head injury.
Where to get help
- Your doctor
- Emergency department of your nearest hospital
- Always call an ambulance in an emergency Tel. 000
Things to remember
- Always seek medical attention for a head injury.
- There is no specific treatment for mild head injury other than plenty of rest and not overdoing things.
- It can take some time for the brain to recover from a head injury and, during this time, headaches, dizziness and mild cognitive (thought) problems are common.
- Don’t go to work or school, or resume sporting activity, until you have fully recovered.
You might also be interested in:
First aid kits.
Head injuries - first aid.
Headache - different types explained.
Headache - some causes explained.
Headache and the musculoskeletal system.
Subarachnoid haemorrhage.
Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
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