Category: Health & Safety

⚡ Responding to a Head Injury or Possible Concussion

A head injury can occur after a fall, collision, sports injury, vehicle crash, assault, or blow to the head. A concussion is a type of brain injury that can affect thinking, memory, balance, mood, vision, and sleep.

A person does not need to lose consciousness to have a concussion. Symptoms may appear immediately or develop over the following hours or days.

Call 911 Immediately If

The person is unconscious or cannot be awakened.
Breathing is not normal.
A seizure occurs.
The person becomes increasingly confused, agitated, or unusual.
One pupil is larger than the other.
Speech becomes slurred.
Weakness, numbness, or poor coordination develops.
A severe or worsening headache occurs.
Vomiting happens repeatedly.
Clear fluid or blood drains from the nose or ears.
The skull appears dented or an object is embedded.
The person cannot recognize people or places.
The person becomes extremely drowsy.
The person loses consciousness, even briefly, and does not quickly return to normal.
The injury involved a high-speed crash, major fall, or other significant force.
You suspect a neck or spinal injury.

If the person is not breathing normally, begin CPR and use an AED when available.

Do Not Move the Person Unnecessarily

After a serious fall, collision, or blow, assume that a neck or spinal injury may also be present.

Keep the person still.
Tell them not to move their head or neck.
Do not remove a helmet.
Support the head in the position found without pulling or twisting.
Call 911.
Follow the dispatcher’s instructions.

Move the person only if the location is immediately dangerous, CPR is required, or you must protect the airway.

Control Bleeding Carefully

For a minor scalp cut:

Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or cloth.
Cover the wound with a clean dressing.
Seek medical care if the cut is deep, gaping, or continues bleeding.

Do not press directly on the injury if:

The skull may be fractured.
The skull appears dented.
Bone is visible.
An object is embedded.
Clear fluid is draining.

Place clean material loosely around the area and wait for emergency help.

Do not remove an embedded object.

Possible Concussion Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

Headache
Dizziness
Balance problems
Nausea
Blurred or double vision
Sensitivity to light or noise
Feeling slowed down
Mental fogginess
Difficulty concentrating
Memory problems
Confusion
Irritability
Anxiety
Sadness
Unusual tiredness
Sleeping more or less than usual
Difficulty falling asleep

A person may look normal while still having a brain injury.

Remove the Person From Activity

After a possible concussion:

Stop sports, exercise, driving, work, or other risky activity.
Do not allow the person to return the same day.
Keep them away from situations where another head injury could occur.
Arrange evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.
Follow all return-to-activity instructions.

A second injury before the brain has healed can cause more serious harm.

Do not allow a coach, player, parent, or coworker to pressure the person into continuing.

Monitor the Person

Stay with the person and watch for changes.

Check for:

Worsening headache
Repeated vomiting
Increasing confusion
Unusual behavior
Difficulty walking
Slurred speech
Weakness or numbness
Increasing sleepiness
Vision changes
Seizures
Loss of consciousness
Difficulty waking

Call 911 if any emergency warning sign develops.

Write down:

When the injury happened
How it occurred
Whether consciousness was lost
Symptoms that appeared
Whether symptoms are worsening
Medication the person takes
First aid provided

Be Extra Cautious With Certain People

Prompt medical evaluation is especially important when the injured person:

Takes a blood thinner
Has a bleeding disorder
Is an older adult
Is an infant or young child
Has previously had brain surgery
Was using alcohol or drugs
Cannot describe their symptoms
Has had previous concussions
Has another serious medical condition

Blood-thinning medication can increase the risk of bleeding inside the skull, sometimes without dramatic early symptoms.

Do not stop prescribed medication unless a healthcare professional directs you to do so.

Rest and Recovery

Follow the healthcare professional’s instructions. Early recovery may involve:

Relative physical and mental rest
Limiting activities that worsen symptoms
Gradually returning to normal routines
Getting adequate sleep
Avoiding another head injury
Taking only approved medication
Reducing bright light, loud noise, or screen use if these worsen symptoms

Complete bed rest in a dark room for many days is not usually recommended unless specifically directed. The person should gradually resume appropriate activity as symptoms allow and under professional guidance.

Sleeping After a Head Injury

A person with a possible concussion does not always need to be kept awake. However, they should be medically evaluated when indicated, and a responsible adult should monitor them.

Before allowing the person to sleep:

Make sure they can communicate normally.
Check that symptoms are not worsening.
Follow the healthcare professional’s instructions.
Confirm that someone can monitor them.

Call 911 if the person is unusually difficult to wake, becomes less responsive, or develops abnormal breathing.

Avoid After a Possible Concussion

Until a healthcare professional says it is safe, avoid:

Driving
Sports
Strenuous exercise
Climbing
Operating machinery
Alcohol
Cannabis
Sedating medication not approved by a professional
Activities that could cause another fall or head impact

Do not give aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or another medication after a significant head injury without checking with a healthcare professional. Some medications may increase bleeding risk.

Children and Head Injuries

A young child may be unable to explain symptoms.

Watch for:

Persistent crying
Refusing food
Vomiting
Loss of interest in toys or activities
Unsteady walking
Changes in speech
Unusual irritability
Excessive sleepiness
Difficulty waking
A bulging soft spot in an infant
Loss of a previously learned skill

Call 911 for emergency warning signs. Contact the child’s healthcare professional promptly if you are concerned.

Returning to School, Work, or Sports

Return should be gradual.

The person may temporarily need:

Shorter school or work periods
Additional breaks
Reduced screen time
Reduced reading or concentration demands
Avoidance of loud or bright environments
Temporary physical restrictions

A person should not return to contact sports or another high-risk activity until cleared by a qualified healthcare professional.

Quick Head-Injury Checklist

Stop the activity.
Check responsiveness and breathing.
Call 911 for emergency warning signs.
Keep the head and neck still after a serious injury.
Do not remove an embedded object.
Apply pressure only when a skull fracture is not suspected.
Monitor for worsening symptoms.
Arrange medical evaluation.
Do not allow same-day return to sports.
Avoid driving, alcohol, and another head injury.
Use only medication approved by a healthcare professional.
Call 911 if the person becomes difficult to wake.

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Important Health & Safety Notice

The information in this guide is provided for general educational purposes only. Independence Answers is not a medical provider, and this content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or supervision. Always follow the instructions of your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare professional, especially if you have a medical condition, take medication, or are unsure whether an action is safe for you.

Do not ignore or delay seeking professional care because of something you read here. If you believe someone may be experiencing a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.