Managing low-risk head injuries after a fall
This Factsheet provides advice if you have a minor, low-risk head injury after having a fall. Your doctor will provide more information before you are discharged.
What does low-risk mean?
Our doctors decide a head injury is low-risk when you do not lose consciousness and do not have forgetfulness or confusion. Your doctor will do a series of medical tests to assess your risk.
You should:
- Stay within reach of a telephone and medical help in the next few days.
- Have plenty of rest and avoid stressful situations.
- Show this factsheet to someone who can take care of you.
- Take painkillers such as paracetamol for headaches.
You should not:
- Don’t be alone for 24 hours after leaving hospital.
- Don’t drink alcohol for at least 24 hours.
- Don’t take aspirin or sleeping tablets without asking your doctor.
- Don’t return to work until you feel ready.
- Don’t play any contact sport until cleared by your GP.
- Don’t drive yourself home from hospital.
Seek urgent medical care if you have:
- Severe headaches
- Vomited more than twice
- Memory problems
- Blackouts
- A seizure (fit or spasm of arms, legs or face)
- Difficulty staying awake
- Blood or clear fluid coming from your ears or nose
- Neck stiffness
- Numbness, tingling, pins and needles, or weakness in your arms or legs
- Confusion, slurred speech or unusual behaviour
- Blurred or double vision
- Dizziness
- A high temperature.
