Head Injury Assessment
Evaluating and responding to potential traumatic brain injury
Step by Step
Call emergency services if the person was knocked out, even briefly, or shows red flags: confusion, drowsiness, repeated vomiting, worsening headache, seizures, unequal pupils, clear fluid from ears or nose, bruising around eyes or behind the ears, problems speaking or with balance, or weakness. If they are unresponsive and breathing, use the recovery position, taking care of the neck. A minor head bump with full recovery can often be managed at home with rest, but someone should stay with the person for at least the first 24 hours and seek medical help if any red flag develops. People taking blood thinners should be assessed after any significant head injury.
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