We have a vast digital library of medical information, including wellness and psychiatry topics as well as general medical topics. For more information or to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to call us.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.
Most injuries to the head are minor. Bumps, cuts, and scrapes on the head and face usually heal well and can be treated the same as injuries to other parts of the body. Minor cuts on the head often cause heavy bleeding. This is because the face and scalp have many blood vessels close to the surface of the skin. Often the injury is not severe, and you can stop the bleeding with home treatment.
Some head injuries are more serious. This is called a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A TBI can range from a mild concussion to a severe head injury. Common causes of a severe head injury include car crashes, falls, sports-related injuries, work-related accidents, and assaults and violent attacks.
Anyone with a head injury should be watched, especially when it's from the above causes. If you think any symptoms are serious, see a doctor to be checked.
When a head injury has occurred, look for other injuries to other parts of the body that also may need attention. Trouble breathing, shock, spinal injuries, and severe bleeding are all life-threatening injuries that may occur along with a head injury and require medical attention right away. Injuries to the spine, especially the neck, must be considered when there has been a head injury. Be sure to check for other injuries to the face, mouth, or teeth when there is a head injury.
Check Your Symptoms
Have you had a head injury?
Yes
Head injury
No
Head injury
How old are you?
Less than 4 years
Less than 4 years
4 to 59 years
4 ot 59 years
60 years or older
60 years or older
Are you male or female?
Male
Male
Female
Female
The medical assessment of symptoms is based on the body parts you have.
If you are transgender or nonbinary, choose the sex that matches the body parts (such as ovaries, testes, prostate, breasts, penis, or vagina) you now have in the area where you are having symptoms.
If your symptoms aren’t related to those organs, you can choose the gender you identify with.
If you have some organs of both sexes, you may need to go through this triage tool twice (once as "male" and once as "female"). This will make sure that the tool asks the right questions for you.
Is the wound bleeding?
If you think the wound may need stitches, it's best to get them within 8 hours of the injury.
Swelling in certain areas of the head can be a sign of a skull fracture.
Yes
Swelling on head
No
Swelling on head
Is the only swelling a bump or "goose egg" on the forehead?
Swelling in any other area of the head, such as the temple area or the side or back of the head, could be more serious.
Yes
Only swelling is bump or goose egg on forehead
No
Only swelling is bump or goose egg on forehead
Did you pass out (lose consciousness) after the injury?
Yes
Lost consciousness after injury
No
Lost consciousness after injury
When did you pass out?
Within the past 24 hours
Loss of consciousness within past 24 hours
More than 24 hours ago
Loss of consciousness more than 24 hours ago
Was there a lot of force involved in the head injury?
Some examples are:
A fall from more than a few feet.
A very hard blow to the head, such as a car crash or a forceful sports injury.
A fall in which your head hits something hard, like concrete or ice.
Yes
A lot of force involved in head injury
No
A lot of force involved in head injury
When did the head injury occur?
Less than 24 hours ago
Injury occurred less than 24 hours ago
From 1 full day (24 hours) to 1 week ago
Injury occurred from 1 day to 1 week ago
More than 1 week ago
Injury occurred more than 1 week ago
Are you under the influence of drugs or alcohol right now?
Yes
Currently under the influence of alcohol or drugs
No
Currently under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Have you vomited more than once since the injury?
Yes
Vomited more than once after injury
No
Vomited more than once after injury
Do you suspect that the injury may have been caused by abuse?
This is a standard question that we ask in certain topics. It may not apply to you. But asking it of everyone helps us to get people the help they need.
Yes
Injury may have been caused by abuse
No
Injury may have been caused by abuse
Do you take a medicine that affects the blood's ability to clot?
This may include blood thinners and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can cause bleeding and can make it harder to control bleeding.
Yes
Takes medicine that affects blood's ability to clot
No
Takes medicine that affects blood's ability to clot
Some symptoms may appear days or even more than a week after a head injury.
Yes
Other symptoms after head injury
No
Other symptoms after head injury
Are the symptoms:
Getting worse?
Symptoms are getting worse
Staying about the same (not better or worse)?
Symptoms are unchanged
Getting better?
Symptoms are improving
Have you had symptoms for more than 2 weeks after the injury?
Yes
Symptoms for more than 2 weeks after injury
No
Symptoms for more than 2 weeks after injury
Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:
Your age. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker.
Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.
Medicines you take. Certain medicines, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines that suppress the immune system like steroids or chemotherapy, herbal remedies, or supplements can cause symptoms or make them worse.
Recent health events, such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious.
Your health habits and lifestyle, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel.
Try Home Treatment
You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home.
Try home treatment to relieve the symptoms.
Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any concerns (for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect). You may need care sooner.
Sometimes people don't want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren't serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.
Call 911 Now
Based on your answers, you need emergency care.
Call 911 or other emergency services now.
Do not move the person unless there is an immediate threat to the person's life, such as a fire. If you have to move the person, keep the head and neck supported and in a straight line at all times. If the person has had a diving accident and is still in the water, float the person face up in the water.
Sometimes people don't want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren't serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.
Make an Appointment
Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care.
Make an appointment to see your doctor in the next 1 to 2 weeks.
If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment.
If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your doctor. You may need care sooner.
Put direct, steady pressure on the wound until help arrives. Keep the area raised if you can.
Sometimes people don't want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren't serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.
Head Injury, Age 3 and Younger
Self-Care
Many minor head injuries, such as bumps, cuts, and scrapes, can be treated at home. But anyone with a head injury should be watched. If you think that any symptoms may be serious, see a doctor for an evaluation.
Follow these steps to treat at home a minor head injury, such as a bump, cut, or scrape.
Stay calm.
If you or a loved one have an accident, try to stay calm. This will help reduce everyone's anxiety and allow you to assess the situation.
Stop any bleeding.
Apply firm pressure directly over the wound with a clean cloth or bandage for 15 minutes. If the cut is deep and may have penetrated the skull, emergency treatment is needed.
Use ice or cold packs.
Apply ice or cold packs to reduce the swelling. A "goose egg" lump may appear anyway, but ice will help.
Check for other injuries.
Check for injuries to other parts of the body, especially if a person has fallen. The alarm from seeing a head injury may cause you to miss other injuries that need attention.
Relieve pain.
You may be able to relieve pain from a minor head injury. Ask the doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
Watch for symptoms.
Call 911 or go to an emergency room right away if unconsciousness or seizure activity develops.
Seek medical care right away, usually in the emergency room, if you notice symptoms of a concussion. These include vomiting, a severe headache, blurred or double vision, confusion, or unsteadiness.
Signs of possible abuse
Most injuries are not caused by abuse. But bruises are often the first sign of possible abuse. Suspect physical abuse of a child or vulnerable adult when:
Any injury cannot be explained or does not match the explanation.
Repeated injuries occur.
Explanations change for how the injury happened.
You may be able to prevent further injuries by reporting abuse. Seek help if:
You suspect child abuse or elder abuse. Call your local child or adult protective agency, police, or a health professional, such as a doctor, nurse, or counselor.
You or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV).
You have trouble controlling your anger with a child or other person in your care.
When to call for help during self-care
Call a doctor if any of the following occur during self-care at home:
Seizure.
New or worse swelling or bleeding.
New or worse headache. (A baby with a headache may cry and be fussy.)
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.
