Minor Head Injury

Learn more about minor head injuries and how they are treated.

Overview

A head injury is any trauma that leads to an injury of the scalp, skull or brain. Injuries can range from a minor bump on the head to a serious brain injury.

To help prevent head injuries, wear a helmet during activities that may put you at risk of hitting your head. These activities include bicycling, ice skating, rollerblading, skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding and riding electric scooters.

Your care

Learn more about the specialized care provided in the Emergency Department at Mount Sinai Hospital.

This content is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used or relied upon for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. It does not replace the need for consultation with a health-care provider. If you have questions about your health, talk to your health-care provider.

Symptoms

Symptoms of head injury

The following signs and symptoms may indicate that you have a head injury:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Tiredness or changes in sleep patterns
  • Nausea
  • Feeling off-balance
  • Temporary blurred vision
  • Anxiety or irritability

Symptoms of a head injury usually resolve within one week. However, symptoms may persist for weeks or, rarely, months. If symptoms of a minor head injury have not resolved within one week, schedule an appointment with your family doctor.

Managing at home

Managing at home

During the 24 hours after a head injury, you or a caregiver should watch for symptoms such as increasing drowsiness or confusion. These symptoms can point to a more serious injury.

The following strategies can help you manage a head injury at home:

  • Take acetaminophen for pain
  • Avoid aspirin, other narcotic pain medications or sleeping medications unless advised otherwise
  • Limit screen and device use, such as cellphones, computers or television, as these can make your symptoms worse
  • Avoid alcohol and stimulants, such as coffee
  • Avoid operating heavy machinery or other dangerous equipment
  • Avoid playing contact sports (such as football, hockey, rugby and lacrosse) until your family physician sees you
  • Wait for a physician to give you permission to return to any activity that may put you at risk of another head injury
When to return to the ED

When to return to the ED

Return to the Emergency Department if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Severe or worsening headache, even after taking acetaminophen
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Increasing drowsiness or confusion
  • Poor coordination or new weakness in your arms or legs
  • Watery or bloody discharge from your nose or ears
  • Seizure