Change in level of consciousness after a head injury

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Change in level of consciousness after a head injury

Home treatment for a head injury is only appropriate if the person did not lose consciousness or does not have trouble remembering what happened right before or right after the injury (amnesia).

A decreased level of consciousness following a head injury may signal a life-threatening problem caused by bleeding, injury, or swelling within or around the brain. Level of consciousness can deteriorate suddenly or gradually. This change can be permanent or temporary.

A person who has had a head injury should be watched closely by a responsible adult for at least 24 hours after the injury.

Check for the following signs of change in level of consciousness or the ability to function immediately after a head injury, and watch closely for the next 24 hours. Signs include:

Seizure activity.
Confusion or not acting normal. Ask the person his or her name, address, age, the date, location, and the name of the president.
Severe irritability or wanting to fight.
Inability to remember what happened just before or after the injury (amnesia).
Difficulty speaking or slurred speech.
Blurred or double vision.
Vertigo, lightheadedness, or unsteadiness that prevents standing or walking.
Symptoms that affect one side of the body more than the other side, such as numbness, weakness, or difficulty moving.
Significant changes in the pupils of the eyes.
Vomiting that continues after the first 2 hours.
A severe headache or stiff neck that is getting worse or not improving after the first 4 hours.
Abnormally deep sleep, difficulty waking, or extreme sleepiness.

If changes in level of consciousness occur following a head injury, a visit to a doctor is needed for further evaluation.

Credits

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Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Updated	July 9, 2008

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Last updated:	July 09, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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