Adult head injury

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 Emergency Department.

• A persistent headache that has not improved with simple painkillers for example paracetamol.
• You vomit more than twice.
• You develop double vision
• You have slurred speech

Additional advice for the accompanying adult

If you notice any of the following please contact your nearest emergency department:

• Increased drowsiness.
• Abnormal or unusual behaviour, such as aggression.
• Fitting.
• Slurred speech.

If you or your relative need further advice, please contact 111.

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. If you still have symptoms after two weeks, you should see your own GP.

Headway

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

The local group is:

Headway Cambridgeshire
Headway House
Brookfields
Mill Road
Cambridge
CB1 3DF
01223 576 550

Monday to Friday 09.00 – 17.00

Email Headway
Visit the Headway website (opens in a new tab)
Reg Charity no: 1062886

Privacy and dignity

Same sex bays and bathrooms are offered in all wards except critical care and theatre recovery areas where the use of high-tech equipment and / or specialist one to one care is required.