Minor head injury
Minor head injury
A minor head injury is a bump or cut to the head that doesn't cause any serious harm to the brain. It can sometimes lead to a concussion, but not always.
It isn't always easy to tell a minor head injury apart from a severe one.
Read about severe head injuries
Common Symptoms
Emergency Warning Signs
Phone 999 or go to A&E if you or someone else has a head injury and:
- does not respond to their name or a gentle chest rub
- cannot stay awake
- has had a seizure (fit)
- has fallen from a height, such as 5 or more stairs
- is having problems with their senses, like hearing loss or double vision
- has numbness or weakness in any part of their body
- is struggling to walk, keep their balance, speak, write, or understand other people
- hit their head with force, for example by being hit by a car
- has a head wound with something inside it, like glass
- has signs of damage to their skull, like a dent in their head
- has severe neck pain or cannot move their head
Go to A&E if you or someone else has a head injury and:
- is confused or was "knocked out" for any length of time
- has vomited
- has a persistent headache that painkillers do not help
- is showing unusual behaviour, like being very irritable or crying more than usual
- has memory loss (amnesia)
- is intoxicated from alcohol or recreational drugs
- has a blood clotting disorder (haemophilia) or takes blood thinning medicine (like warfarin or apixaban)
- has previously had brain surgery
- has a large bruise or wound to the head or face
- has a black eye
- has blood or clear fluid coming from their ears or nose
- has bruising behind their ears
- the injury was not accidental, for example if someone else has hurt a child on purpose
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Phone 999 or go to A&E if you or someone else has a head injury and:
- does not respond to their name or a gentle chest rub
- cannot stay awake
- has had a seizure (fit)
- has fallen from a height, such as 5 or more stairs
- is having problems with their senses, like hearing loss or double vision
- has numbness or weakness in any part of their body
- is struggling to walk, keep their balance, speak, write, or understand other people
- hit their head with force, such as being hit by a car
- has a head wound with something inside it, like glass
- has signs of damage to their skull, like a dent in their head
- has severe neck pain or cannot move their head
Go to A&E if you or someone else has a head injury and:
- is confused or was 'knocked out' for any length of time
- has vomited
- has a persistent headache that painkillers do not help
- is showing unusual behaviour, like being very irritable or crying more than usual
- has memory loss (amnesia)
- is intoxicated from alcohol or recreational drugs
- has a blood clotting disorder (haemophilia) or takes blood thinning medicine (such as warfarin or apixaban)
- has previously had brain surgery
- has a large bruise or wound to the head or face
- has a black eye
- has blood or clear fluid coming from their ears or nose
- has bruising behind their ears
- was hurt on purpose rather than by accident, for example if someone else has deliberately hurt a child
Treatment
Most people who go to a hospital because of a minor head injury are able to go home again soon after. Full recovery usually happens within a few days.
There are things you can do at home to help with a minor head injury. You should:
- have someone stay with you for 24 hours after the injury, so they can watch for any serious symptoms
- rest as much as possible
- stay away from stressful or noisy situations
- cut down on screen time, including on your phone
- take paracetamol or ibuprofen for mild pain, following the instructions on the packet
- hold a cold compress against the injury (such as a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel) to ease discomfort
- if it's a child who is hurt, keep them calm and encourage them not to play roughly
It also helps to:
- avoid alcohol and recreational drugs
- avoid sleeping pills, sedatives or tranquillisers unless a doctor has prescribed them
- put a tea towel or similar barrier between the cold compress and your skin
- use the cold compress for no more than 30 minutes at a time, and no more often than once every 2 hours
- stay away from contact sports for at least 3 weeks, and follow proper guidance before returning to sport
- wait to go back to work or school until you feel ready, since going back too soon can slow down your recovery
- not drive a car or motorbike, ride a bicycle, or use machinery until you have no symptoms that could affect your eyesight or thinking
If your child has had a minor head injury, they may cry or seem upset. This is normal, and most children settle down once they've been comforted and reassured. But if your child stays distressed even after simple steps like pain relief, get medical help.
See your doctor if:
- your symptoms are still there 2 weeks after the injury
- you're not sure whether it's safe to drive, or to go back to sports, work or school
You can also read more about returning to sports after a head injury.
Prevention
Injuries cannot always be prevented, but a few simple habits can lower the chance of a serious one. It helps to:
- wear a properly fitted helmet for activities like cycling
- use the right safety gear when playing contact sports
- wipe up spills quickly so no one slips on them
- use safety equipment when doing DIY work at home
- fit safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs if young children are around
- follow health and safety guidance at your workplace