Head Injury Guide

Head Injury — Concussion & Trauma

Proper first aid for traumatic head injuries to manage concussion symptoms and recognize signs of brain injury.

Watch for Critical Red Flags

Head injuries can be deceptively severe. Call 911 / 112 immediately if the person has lost consciousness (even briefly), is vomiting repeatedly, has unequal pupil sizes, is extremely confused, or has clear fluid/blood leaking from their nose or ears.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Assess Responsiveness and Alertness

Check if the person is responsive. Ask simple questions: "What is your name?", "What day is it?", "Do you know where we are?". Monitor for confusion, memory loss, or extreme drowsiness.

2

Minimize Spine and Neck Movement

If the injury resulted from a fall, car crash, or high-impact collision, assume a neck or spinal injury. Keep the person completely still. Do not move them unless they are in immediate danger.

3

Control Bleeding

If there is an open cut, apply firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth. Caution: Do not apply pressure directly if you suspect a skull fracture (if the bone feels soft, depressed, or bone fragments are visible).

4

Apply a Cold Compress to Swelling

Apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth to any bumps or swollen areas for 10 to 20 minutes to reduce inflammation. Never place ice directly on the skin.

5

Check for Neurological Red Flags

Observe the eyes for unequal pupil sizes (anisocoria). Watch for slurred speech, double vision, coordination loss, or weakness in limbs.

6

Monitor Closely for 24 Hours

Observe the person continuously. Do not leave them alone. Do not give aspirin or ibuprofen immediately as they can increase bleeding risk (use acetaminophen if cleared by a doctor).

Do's and Don'ts

Do's

  • Keep the person quiet and still
  • Apply pressure to bleeding wounds (unless skull fracture is suspected)
  • Use a cold pack to reduce swelling
  • Seek medical evaluation for any loss of consciousness

Don't's

  • Don't move the head or neck if a spine injury is possible
  • Don't remove any objects sticking out of a wound
  • Don't give aspirin or ibuprofen (risk of brain bleed)
  • Don't allow them to return to sports or screens immediately

Aftercare & Recovery

Medical assessment may involve CT/MRI scans, cognitive tests, and neurological checks. Follow professional guidelines.
Concussion recovery relies heavily on physical and cognitive rest (limiting phones, TV, reading, and physical exertion) until cleared by a physician.
Seek emergency care if symptoms (such as headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion) worsen in the days following the trauma.