Check the person's airway, breathing, and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR. If the person's breathing and heart rate are normal, but the person is unconscious, treat as if there is a spinal injury. Stabilize the head and neck by placing your hands on both sides of the person's head .
What happens when you hit your head and become unconscious?
You can also lose consciousness if part of the brainstem is knocked offline. Brain activity can be affected by a number of things — oxygen can be cut off to certain parts, or a blood vessel might burst. But a blow to the head can also cause a disruption that could lead to a loss of consciousness.
What causes unconsciousness after a head injury?
A concussion can result from a fall, sports activities, vehicular accidents, assault , or other direct injury to the skull. A big movement of the brain (called jarring) in any direction can cause a person to lose alertness (become unconscious).
Can I sleep if I hit my head?
Most medical professionals say it is fine —sometimes even advised—to let people sleep after incurring a head injury. The American Academy of Family Physicians states it is not necessary to keep a person awake after a head injury.
How do you know if your brain is bleeding after hitting your head?
Confusion . Unequal pupil size . Slurred speech . Loss of movement (paralysis) on the opposite side of the body from the head injury.
How can I tell if a head injury is mild or severe?
- Mild head injury: Raised, swollen area from a bump or a bruise. Small, superficial (shallow) cut in the scalp. ...
- Moderate to severe head injury (requires immediate medical attention)–symptoms may include any of the above plus: Loss of consciousness.
Should I go to hospital if I hit my head?
Someone with a head injury needs to go to the hospital's emergency department (A&E) as soon as possible if anything in the box below applies. This should be by ambulance if needed. Unconsciousness or lack of full consciousness, even if the person has now recovered. Any clear fluid running from the ears or nose.
Should I put ice on my head if I hit it?
Head injuries are often not serious, but brain injuries can be. Any threat of brain damage from a head injury should be checked by a physician. Ice applied to the bruised area will help control swelling . Any vision problems or bleeding from the eyes or ears as a result of a head injury warrants a trip to a physician.
How do you treat a head injury at home?
People can often treat mild head injuries at home. Applying a cold pack to the area can help to reduce swelling. A person can also take Tylenol but should avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin, unless a doctor prescribes them.
What are the symptoms of a slow brain bleed?
- Head pain.
- Neck or back pain.
- Neck stiffness.
- Vision changes.
- Photophobia.
- Weakness on one side of the face or body.
- Slurred speech.
- Lethargy.
How do I know if my head injury is serious?
- Have a headache that gets worse and does not go away.
- Experience weakness, numbness, decreased coordination, convulsions, or seizures.
- Vomit repeatedly.
- Have slurred speech or unusual behavior.
How long after a head injury can symptoms occur?
In most people, symptoms occur within the first seven to 10 days and go away within three months. Sometimes, they can persist for a year or more. The goal of treatment after concussion is to effectively manage your symptoms.
How long can a head injury last?
You can expect the symptoms of a head injury to gradually improve over 1 to 4 weeks . During that time, your symptoms can fluctuate in intensity: Headaches are common and can be relieved with acetaminophen (Tylenol).
What is the most sensitive part of the head?
The Prefrontal Cortex Is the Most Sensitive Place in the Frontal Lobe. Within the frontal lobe, the most susceptible area to injury lies at the very front of the brain behind the skull.
How long after you hit your head should you wait to sleep?
Do not allow the athlete (or concussed individual) to sleep for at least 3 hours after the injury . May not need to wake the athlete throughout the night, but monitoring them throughout the night is prudent.
Is it bad to sleep with an ice pack on your head?
Never fall asleep with an ice pack , or you may leave it on far too long. Don't put ice or ice packs directly on the skin. A plastic bag isn't enough to protect your skin from ice burn.
