Call 108 or go to an emergency department now if there is
- loss of consciousness, even for a short time, or no memory of the injury
- a fit (seizure)
- vomiting more than once
- drowsiness that is getting worse, or confusion
- a headache that keeps getting worse
- weakness or numbness of an arm or leg, slurred speech, or trouble seeing
- clear fluid or blood from the nose or ear, or bruising behind the ear or around both eyes
- a deep cut, a dent in the skull, or anything that went into the head
- a fall from a height, or a road accident at speed
- the person takes blood thinners, has a bleeding disorder, or has had brain surgery
- the person has had alcohol or drugs, so it is hard to tell how badly they are hurt
- in a baby or small child: a soft swelling on the head, unusual crying, not feeding, or not behaving normally
Caspian Healthcare has no emergency department or CT scanner. Go to a hospital with a CT scan and a neurosurgeon. If the neck may be hurt, keep it still.
If none of these: care at home for 48 hours
- Someone should stay with the person for the first 24 hours.
- Cold pack on the swelling for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Paracetamol for headache. Avoid painkillers such as aspirin or ibuprofen for the first day unless a doctor advises.
- Rest the brain as well as the body: less screen time and reading for a day or two, then back to normal step by step.
- No alcohol and no driving until fully recovered.
Go to hospital if any danger sign appears in the next days.
After the first days
If headache, dizziness, poor sleep, poor concentration or mood changes last more than two weeks, see a doctor. Most of these settle, and there is help for them while they do. Dr. Imran sees patients for follow-up after head injury at the OPD.
See Dr. Imran at Caspian
Dr. Mohammed Imran, Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon. MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Neurosurgery), Gandhi Medical College. Telangana Medical Council 60634.
Monday to Saturday, 4 to 5 pm. Walk in, no appointment needed. Consultation ₹600, valid for 6 days or 2 visits, whichever comes first.
Bring any MRI, CT or X-ray you have had (the films or CD and the written report), and the list of every medicine you take.
Common questions
Does every head injury need a CT scan?
No. Doctors use the danger signs on this page to decide. A CT scan uses radiation, so it is done when the signs suggest a real risk of bleeding or a fracture, not for every bump.
Should I keep my child awake after a head injury?
There is no need to keep a child awake all night. They can sleep. If you are worried, wake them once or twice in the first night to check that they wake normally and know you. If they are hard to wake, go to hospital.
My elderly father fell and seems fine. Should I worry?
Older people, especially those on blood thinners such as aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin or newer blood thinners, can bleed slowly inside the head after even a minor fall. Symptoms may appear days or weeks later as headache, confusion, drowsiness or weakness. Any head injury in a person on blood thinners needs a doctor the same day.
What is concussion?
A short-lived disturbance of brain function after a blow. Headache, dizziness, poor concentration, tiredness and irritability are common for days to a few weeks. Most people recover fully.
When can my child go back to school or sport?
Back to school once symptoms allow, often after a few days, with lighter work at first. No contact sport until all symptoms have gone and a doctor has cleared them, because a second blow before recovery is dangerous.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Mohammed Imran, Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon, Telangana Medical Council 60634. Last reviewed 13 November 2026. General information for patients of Caspian Healthcare: your own doctor’s advice comes first.