How Long Do You Need To Stay Awake If You Hit Your Head?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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.

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 long after hitting your head are you safe?

In most cases, takes

about 7 to 10 days

. However, if you don't get enough rest or follow your doctor's recommendations, recovery may take a bit longer. Learn more about how long concussions last. In addition, some people develop a condition called post-concussion syndrome.

Can you let a child sleep after hitting their head?

If the child seemed well after

the bump to the head, it is OK to let them go to sleep

. But if they seem unusually sleepy, or they seem dazed when they wake, they should be seen by a doctor straight away.

How long after hitting head can concussion symptoms start?

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 can I tell if a head injury is mild or severe?

  1. Mild head injury: Raised, swollen area from a bump or a bruise. Small, superficial (shallow) cut in the scalp. …
  2. Moderate to severe head injury (requires immediate medical attention)–symptoms may include any of the above plus: Loss of consciousness.

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.

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 do you know if a bump on the head is serious?

Signs of a serious head injury.

Seek immediate medical attention

if, after a knock to the head, you notice any of these symptoms in either you or your child: unconsciousness, either briefly or for a longer period of time. difficulty staying awake or still being sleepy several hours after the injury.

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.

What are 3 symptoms of a concussion?

  • Headache or “pressure” in head.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Balance problems or dizziness, or double or blurry vision.
  • Bothered by light or noise.
  • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy.
  • Confusion, or concentration or memory problems.
  • Just not “feeling right,” or “feeling down”.

How do I check for a concussion?

  1. Headache.
  2. Ringing in the ears.
  3. Nausea.
  4. Vomiting.
  5. Fatigue or drowsiness.
  6. Blurry vision.

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 long does head hurt after hitting it?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, violent jolt or blow to your head. Anyone from infants to the elderly can get a concussion. Headache is the most common symptom. Most symptoms resolve

within 14 to 21 days

.

What does it mean when you vomit after hitting your head?

Vomiting is a fairly common side effect of head injury. While isolated incidents of vomiting do not usually signal something serious, vomiting can be associated with

skull fractures and hematomas

. Therefore, the best course of action if someone is vomiting after a head injury is to have them seen by a physician.

Can you feel a brain bleed?

In general, symptoms of brain bleeds can include:

Sudden tingling, weakness, numbness, or paralysis of the face, arm or leg

, particularly on one side of the body. Headache. (Sudden, severe “thunderclap” headache occurs with subarachnoid hemorrhage.)

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.