Spine Surgery
Emergency Care
Head Injuries: What Every Family Should Know
Head injuries are common, especially in children and young adults. Knowing what to watch for and when to seek emergency care can make a critical difference in outcomes.
Understanding Head Injuries
A head injury is any trauma to the scalp, skull, or brain. They range from a minor bump or bruise to a serious brain injury. Head injuries are classified as mild (concussion), moderate, or severe based on the level of consciousness, the duration of unconsciousness, and imaging findings. Common causes include road accidents (the most common cause in India), falls (especially in children and elderly), sports injuries, and workplace accidents. The brain is protected by the skull, but a strong impact can cause the brain to move inside the skull, leading to bruising, bleeding, or swelling.
Signs of a Serious Head Injury
After any head injury, watch carefully for these warning signs that indicate a serious problem: loss of consciousness (even briefly), worsening headache that does not improve with medication, repeated vomiting, seizures or fits, one pupil larger than the other, increasing confusion or unusual behaviour, difficulty waking someone from sleep, clear fluid or blood draining from the nose or ears, slurred speech, weakness or numbness in arms or legs, and in children — persistent crying, refusal to eat, or inability to be consoled. If any of these signs appear, go to the hospital immediately.
Immediate First Aid for Head Injuries
If someone has a head injury, stay calm. If the person is unconscious, check their breathing and call for emergency help immediately. Do not move them unless they are in immediate danger — a neck injury may also be present. If conscious, keep them still and calm. Apply a clean cloth with gentle pressure to any bleeding wound. Apply a cold pack wrapped in cloth to reduce swelling — never put ice directly on the skin. Do not give any food, water, or medication until evaluated by a doctor. Watch the person closely for the next 24 to 48 hours for any worsening symptoms.
When to Go to the Hospital
After a significant head injury, always seek medical evaluation if the person lost consciousness even for a few seconds, if the injury was caused by a high-speed accident or fall from height, if the person is on blood-thinning medication, if the person is under 2 years or over 65 years old, if there is any confusion or memory loss about the event, or if you are simply unsure about the severity. It is always better to get checked and find out everything is fine than to miss a serious injury. At Medistar, our 24-hour emergency service is equipped to evaluate and manage head injuries promptly.
Recovery After a Head Injury
Recovery depends on the severity of the injury. Mild concussions usually resolve within 1 to 2 weeks with rest and gradual return to activities. During recovery, avoid screens and mentally demanding tasks for the first few days, get plenty of sleep, avoid alcohol, and do not participate in sports or activities that risk another head injury until fully recovered. Moderate to severe head injuries may require surgery to remove blood clots, repair fractures, or relieve pressure on the brain. Dr. Akhilesh and the Medistar team handle head injury emergencies round the clock, with a well-equipped operation theatre and ICU backup to provide the best possible care when every minute counts.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Every individual is different, and treatment outcomes vary. Please consult a qualified neurosurgeon for personalised guidance. book appointment.
