Adult Head Injury Instructions

This advice must be given to patients and an accompanying adult.

You have had a head injury. You have been given a thorough examination and are now considered fit to be discharged. Some people who have had a minor head injury later develop problems which occasionally can be serious. If you experience any of the following, please contact your nearest A&E Department or tell the person with you to contactA&E.

· A persistent headache" that has not improved with simple

painkillers, eg, paracetamol.

· You vomit more than twice.

· You develop double vision.

· You develop slurred speech.

Additional Advice for the Accompanying Adult "

If you notice any of the following, please contact your nearest A&E:

· Increasing drowsiness.

· Abnormal or unusual behaviour, eg, aggression.

· Fitting.

· Slurred speech.

If you or your relative need further advice, please contact the nursing staff of the Accident & Emergency Department on 01223 217119.

What to expect during recovery

Often people can feel unwell days after a head injury. Common symptoms are:

· Mild headache.

· Dizziness.

· Poor concentration or short-term memory.

· Irritability or being easily annoyed.

· Poor sleep and tiredness.

If you have any of these symptoms, do not worry because they should clear up in time without any treatment. But if you still have symptoms after 2 weeks you should see your own GP.

Do

./ Rest completely at home for at least 24 hours and have a responsible adult with you during this time .

./ Take painkillers suggested by the doctor.

./ Take your usual medication, but do not take sedatives or tranquillisers.

Do not

x Drive or operate machinery.

x Do any gardening, shopping or carry out DIY or other

strenuous activities.

x Drink alcohol.

x Take a bath Ca shower is safer) for at least 24 hours.

x Play contact sports, eg, football, rugby or go horse riding for 3 weeks.

x Return to sport or an occupation that involves balance or heights, eg, gymnastics, window cleaning, for 1 week.

Headway is a charity that provides support to patients who have suffered brain injury and have continuing problems.

The local branch is:

Headway Brookfields Hospital Mill Road Cambridge

01223576550 Monday-Friday08.30-15.30

Please retain this card for future reference