HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Head injuries in adults
Most head injuries are minor and have no long-term effects. Some head injuries result in temporary effects known as concussion. These temporary effects can last anywhere from hours to weeks.
Symptoms of head injuries
Important
Rarely, you can be well after a head injury but suddenly get worse some hours later due to bleeding inside your skull. Have someone with you for the first 24 hours so they can call for help if this happens.
Serious symptoms needing urgent medical attention include:
- an increasingly severe headache
- unusual behaviour
- repeated vomiting
- being very sleepy or difficult to wake
- having a fit (jerking movements)
- slurred speech
- blurred or double vision
- strange feelings or a loss of movement down one side of your body.
Possible concussion symptoms include:
- recurring headaches
- tiredness (fatigue)
- difficulty with memory and concentration
- disrupted sleep and mood
- feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- feeling off balance like being on a rocking boat.
Treating head injuries
Rest is the most important part of recovery from a head injury. For the first 2 to 3 days, rest your brain. This should include avoiding screens, loud music and noisy environments as well as resting your body. Getting back to normal activities too soon can make your symptoms worse and delay your full recovery.
Simple pain relief like paracetamol can help with headaches.
Avoid alcohol and other drugs.
After 3 days, gradually return to your usual activities. If you are going to work or school, start with half days and build up to full days.
Avoid hard physical activity including contact sports for at least 3 weeks.
Before returning to sport, check if you have to follow a sport-specific stand down plan.
If you still have symptoms after 2 weeks, see your healthcare provider. You may need to see a specialist concussion service.
HealthInfo recommends the following videos
- Doctor Mike Evans – Concussion
An entertaining and informative video about what concussion is and how it is treated.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- ACC
- Concussion: recognise the signs
This page outlines the signs of concussion and what to do if someone is concussed on a sports field.
- Recovery advice
Advice about recovering from a concussion, including what you should and should not do.
- Concussion: recognise the signs
- Brain Injury New Zealand – Resources & links
Downloadable resources and helpful links for those living with brain injury.
On the next page: Concussion in adults
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed December 2023.
Sources
Review key: HIBRI-52920
