Change in level of consciousness after a head injury
Home treatment for a head injury is only appropriate if the person did not lose consciousness or does not have trouble remembering what happened right before or right after the injury (amnesia).
A decreased level of consciousness following a head injury may signal a life-threatening problem caused by bleeding, injury, or swelling within or around the brain. Level of consciousness can deteriorate suddenly or gradually. This change can be permanent or temporary.
A person who has had a head injury should be watched closely by a responsible adult for at least 24 hours after the injury.
Check for the following signs of change in level of consciousness or the ability to function immediately after a head injury, and watch closely for the next 24 hours. Signs include:
- Seizure activity.
- Confusion or not acting normal. Ask the person his or her name, address, age, the date, location, and the name of the prime minister.
- Severe irritability or wanting to fight.
- Inability to remember what happened just before or after the injury (amnesia).
- Difficulty speaking or slurred speech.
- Blurred or double vision.
- Vertigo, light-headedness, or unsteadiness that prevents standing or walking.
- Symptoms that affect one side of the body more than the other side, such as numbness, weakness, or difficulty moving.
- Significant changes in the pupils of the eyes.
- Vomiting that continues after the first 2 hours.
- A severe headache or stiff neck that is getting worse or not improving after the first 4 hours.
- Abnormally deep sleep, difficulty waking, or extreme sleepiness.
If changes in level of consciousness occur following a head injury, a visit to a doctor is needed for further evaluation.
| Author: | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC | Last Updated: September 15, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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