Head injuries can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time — whether you slip on ice, take a hard hit during a weekend game, or are involved in a car accident. When something happens to your head, it’s scary. You might feel confused, dizzy, or worried about what comes next. The truth is, head injuries need immediate medical attention from people who know how to care for serious injuries.
Complete Care understands how frightening and urgent these situations can be. Our emergency-trained doctors can quickly figure out what’s going on with advanced onsite imaging like CT scans, and we’ll take care of you right away. Whether it’s a concussion that has you feeling off-balance or something more serious, our team knows how to handle each situation with the care and speed it requires. We’re open 24/7 with low wait times.
If you or a loved one has hit their head, please don’t try to wait it out or convince yourself it’s nothing serious. Head injuries can be unpredictable, and what seems minor can sometimes develop into something more dangerous. Instead, come see us at your nearest Complete Care ER location right away so we can make sure you get the care you need.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
- Signs of a head injury
- What to do if someone hits their head
- When to go to the ER for a head injury
- Head injury — FAQs
For life-threatening situations, please call 911.
Signs of a head injury
Recognizing the signs of a head injury isn’t always as straightforward as you might think. While some symptoms appear immediately after an impact, others can develop hours or even days later. That’s why it’s so important to know what to watch for, both in yourself and in others who may have sustained a head injury.
- Loss of consciousness: Even a brief blackout, lasting just seconds, should be taken seriously
- Confusion or disorientation: Feeling “foggy,” having trouble thinking clearly, or not knowing where you are
- Severe or worsening headache: Pain that gets worse over time or doesn’t respond to typical pain relief
- Nausea and vomiting: Especially repeated vomiting or nausea that persists
- Dizziness or balance problems: Feeling unsteady on your feet or like the room is spinning
- Vision changes: Blurred vision, double vision, or increased sensitivity to light
- Memory problems: Difficulty remembering events before or after the injury
- Mood changes: Unusual irritability, anxiety, or emotional responses
- Sleep disturbances: Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling unusually drowsy
- Slurred speech: Difficulty speaking clearly or finding the right words
- Seizures: Any seizure activity following a head injury requires immediate medical attention
Remember, you don’t need to have all of these symptoms to have a serious head injury — even one or two signs warrant medical evaluation. Some people, especially children and older adults, may not be able to clearly communicate how they’re feeling, so it’s important to watch for changes in their behavior or alertness. Trust your instincts — if something doesn’t feel right after a head injury, it’s always better to seek medical care than to wait and see what happens.
What to do if someone hits their head
When someone hits their head, your response in those first few minutes can make a real difference in their recovery. While head injury treatment at home has its limits, there are important steps you can take before getting professional medical care. Following the head injury first aid treatment steps listed below can help stabilize the situation and prevent further harm while you arrange for emergency care.
- Keep the person still, and don’t move them unless they’re in immediate danger, as neck or spine injuries may also be present.
- Gently try to wake them if they’re unconscious, but don’t shake them.
- When treating head wound bleeding, use a clean cloth and apply steady, gentle pressure around the wound — not directly on it if you suspect a skull fracture.
- For suspected concussions, try to keep the person awake and talking, but don’t force it if they’re very drowsy.
- Monitor their breathing, consciousness level, and symptoms closely.
- Avoid aspirin or other pain relievers that could increase bleeding.
- Don’t offer food or water; the person may need surgery, and eating or drinking could cause complications.
- If there’s swelling, wrap ice in a cloth and apply it gently — never put ice directly on the skin.
- Help them lie down in a quiet, dimly lit area if possible.
Head trauma first aid is just the first step — it’s not a substitute for professional medical evaluation. Even if the person seems okay after your initial care, head injuries can be unpredictable. Concussions and other brain injuries don’t always show immediate symptoms, which is why medical assessment is necessary.
Get them to a Complete Care emergency room or call 911 right away, especially if they lose consciousness, vomit, or show any concerning symptoms.
When to go to the ER for a head injury
So, when is a head injury an emergency? The honest answer is that most head injuries warrant immediate medical attention, but certain red flags make emergency treatment absolutely essential. Whether you’re dealing with a car accident head injury, common fall injuries, or any other type of head trauma, knowing when to seek emergency treatment for a concussion and other brain injuries can be life-saving.
Here are emergency symptoms to watch for:
- Loss of consciousness
- Repeated vomiting
- Severe confusion or disorientation
- Seizures
- Worsening headache
- Extreme drowsiness
- Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
- Different-sized pupils
- Clear fluid from the nose or ears, or in infants, a bulging fontanelle (soft spot)
- Persistent bleeding
Don’t second-guess yourself when it comes to head injuries. If you’re questioning whether someone needs medical attention after hitting their head, the safest choice is always to seek emergency treatment right away.
Head injury — FAQs
What does a concussion feel like?
A concussion often feels like being in a fog — you might have a headache, feel dizzy or nauseous, and have trouble thinking clearly or remembering things. Some people describe it as feeling “off” or not quite like themselves, with sensitivity to light and sound being common. If you’re experiencing these symptoms after a head injury, it’s important to seek concussion treatment from medical professionals who can properly evaluate your condition.
Can you go to sleep after hitting your head?
It’s generally not recommended to sleep immediately after hitting your head, especially if you haven’t been medically evaluated first. While the old myth about never sleeping after a head injury isn’t entirely accurate, you should get medical treatment for a head injury before resting, as sleep can mask worsening symptoms. A healthcare provider can determine when it’s safe for you to sleep and what warning signs to watch for.
How do you know if your head is okay after hitting it?
The tricky thing about head injuries is that you may feel fine initially, but develop serious symptoms hours later. Even if you feel okay, persistent headaches, confusion, nausea, or any changes in how you feel or think are signs you need treatment. The only way to truly know if your head is okay is to get proper medical treatment for a head injury from trained professionals who can assess for internal damage that might not be immediately obvious.
Skip the worry and get quality, efficient care for head injuries with low wait times at Complete Care!
At Complete Care, our emergency doctors are ready to provide the specialized attention you need when every moment counts. We know that head injuries can be frightening and unpredictable, which is why we’re committed to being there for you and your family when you need us most.
With convenient locations throughout Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, East Texas, Lubbock, San Antonio, and Colorado Springs, Complete Care is never far away when a head injury occurs. Don’t wait to see if symptoms get better on their own — head injuries require immediate professional evaluation to ensure the best possible outcome.
Visit your nearest Complete Care ER location today, where our experienced team is standing by 24/7 to provide the expert care and peace of mind you deserve.
Locations
Get Complete Care
Open 24/7. No Appointment Needed.
