Head injuries
8-minute read
Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance if someone has a head injury and they fall unconscious, or if they have a fit or seizure. They also need emergency medical attention if there is bleeding that won't stop, or if there is fluid coming from their nose or ears.
Key facts
- A mild head injury can be caused by a blow or knock to your head and may result in a small lump or bruise.
- A moderate head injury or concussion can temporarily affect how your brain works, causing headaches or nausea.
- If you have a head injury and you vomit more than once, or you have a seizure (fit), seek emergency medical attention.
- Most people recover from a mild head injury within 2 days, but you may need to return to your usual activities slowly.
- You can help prevent head injuries by wearing a seatbelt in the car and wearing protective sport equipment.
What is a head injury?
A head injury is a blow or knock to your head. A head injury can be mild, moderate or severe:
- A mild head injury may result in a small lump or bruise.
- A moderate head injury or concussion can temporarily affect how your brain works, causing headaches or nausea.
- A severe head injury may lead to swelling or bleeding in your brain, which can cause seizures and other serious complications.
It can be hard to know how severe a head injury is when it happens.
This is because:
- head injuries can be severe even if you can't see them
- you may feel well immediately after the head injury, but become unwell later
Generally, the harder the impact to your head, the more likely it is to be a severe injury.
What are the symptoms of a head injury?
If you have any symptoms of a severe head injury call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.
Mild head injury
Symptoms of a minor head injury include:
- a bump or bruise
- feeling alert
- interacting normally with others
A mild head injury can usually be managed at home. If any new symptoms develop you should see a doctor.
Moderate head injury or concussion
A concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), is a head injury that temporarily affects how your brain works.
Symptoms of a concussion or moderate head injury include:
- headache
- nausea and dizziness
- vision changes, such as blurred vision
- poor balance or dizziness
- difficulty remembering things
- changes in emotions, including feeling anxious or irritable
Severe head injury
Symptoms of a severe head injury include:
- vomiting
- being unable to control your bowel or bladder
- having trouble seeing, hearing or speaking normally
- having trouble remembering things
- blood or fluid coming from your ear or nose
- having a seizures or blackouts
- weakness or numbness anywhere in your body
Symptoms of a severe head injury can start later, including after you go home from having a check-up in hospital. Late symptoms may include:
- poor coordination or clumsiness
- slurred or unclear speech
- difficulty swallowing when eating or drinking
- worsening headache or feelings of confusion
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
When should I call an ambulance or go to the emergency department?
Get emergency medical help if an injured person has any symptoms of a severe head injury.
You should also get emergency medical help if the person was moving at a high speed or fell from more than one metre when the injury happened.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
What should I do while waiting for an ambulance?
Place the injured person in a comfortable position with their head and shoulders slightly raised. Carefully support their head and neck. Do not twist or bend their neck if you move them.
If they are bleeding, put firm pressure on the wound. If you are worried about a broken bone use gentle pressure. If they are wearing a helmet, don't remove it. Wait for the paramedics to arrive.
If any blood or fluid comes from their ear, place a dressing lightly over it. Lie the injured person on their side to allow the fluid to drain out of their ear.
What are the causes of head injuries?
Causes of head injuries include:
- car accidents
- sporting injuries
- accidents at home
- accidents at work
- assault
- falls
How is a head injury diagnosed?
Your doctor can diagnose a head injury. They will ask how the injury happened and what symptoms you have had. They will also perform a physical examination, including checking:
- the injured area for bruising or fractures
- your balance and coordination
- your vision
Your doctor may recommend a computed tomography (CT) scan of your head or neck.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
How is a head injury treated?
The treatment of a head injury will depend on how severe it is.
Self-care at home
A mild head injury can usually be managed at home. To help with your symptoms, you should:
- rest quietly
- limit your reading and screen time
- use icepacks on painful areas
- take paracetamol, but not other pain-relief medicines
Someone should stay with you for 24 hours and monitor for any change in your symptoms.
Following a head injury, you should avoid:
- driving or operating machinery, for at least 24 hours
- taking sleeping pills, drinking alcohol or taking drugs, for at least 48 hours. This can make you feel worse, which makes it hard to tell whether or not your head injury is improving.
- playing any sport for at least 48 hours
If you are not sure when it's safe to return to your usual activities, talk to your doctor.
Medicines for head injuries
If you go to the hospital or see a doctor, you may be given:
Other treatment options
If you have a severe head injury your doctor will monitor you in hospital to make sure your condition does not become worse.
If your doctor suspects you have an injury to your neck they may recommend cervical spine immobilisation (a neck brace). Your doctor will tell you how long you should wear your neck brace for.
What are the complications of head injuries?
Most adults recover from a mild head injury after 2 days, but symptoms can last for up to 10 days. Children may have symptoms for 4 weeks after the injury.
Fatigue is a common symptom of head injuries. You may need to take time off work or study or adjust your hours until you are feeling better. Children should return to school and sport gradually.
If you have symptoms that last longer than 10 days, see your doctor.
Can head injuries be prevented?
You can help prevent head injuries by:
- always wearing a seatbelt or using the appropriate child restraint in the car
- following the rules of your sport
- following all road rules
- wearing a helmet when you're on a bicycle, skiing or playing contact sports
Make sure you are fully recovered from your head injury before returning to activities where you could be injured again. A second head injury while you are still recovering can cause significant damage.
Resources and support
Synapse has resources and support for people with brain injury and their carers.
The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne website has information on head injuries in children.
The HeadCheck app can be used to monitor your child's symptoms and recovery at home.
The New South Wales Government has a website listing the safety and equipment recommendations for many sports.
Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
Connectivity has resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including:
- videos about reducing the risk of traumatic brain injury
- information on living with a traumatic brain injury
Languages other than English
Information sheets on mild head injury in many community languages can be downloaded from the NSW Emergency Care Institute.
The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne has information and advice on head injuries in multiple languages.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.