Home Care Advice for Head Injury
It's normal to have a headache and nausea, and feel dizzy right after a head injury. Other symptoms include ringing in the ears, neck pain, and feeling anxious, upset, irritable, depressed or tired.
- Avoid all sedatives, strong pain killers, Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil®), and alcohol.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) may be used for pain.
- Apply a cool compress or ice pack over the injury site.
Experiencing any of the following symptoms indicates a need for medical re-evaluation:
- Severe or persistent headache, not responsive to Acetaminophen.
- Nausea and/or vomiting.
- Excessive sleepiness or difficulty in arousing from sleep.
- Unequal pupils, double vision or change in the ability to see or hear.
- Worsening dizziness.
- Weakness or paralysis of arms or legs.
- Confusion, irritability or personality change.
- Drainage of fluid or blood from ears or nose.
If any of these symptoms appear in the next few days or weeks, return to Vaden Health Center immediately, or if after hours, go to the Stanford University Medical Center Emergency Department. Here are directions and a map.