Head Injury in Adults

You have recently had a head injury.

Please contact the Accident and Emergency department at the first sign of:

• Unusual drowsiness or confusion
• Unconsciousness
• Persistent or severe headache
• Repeated vomiting
• Loss of use or weakness of your arm, leg or face
• Blurred vision or “seeing double”
• Persistent discharge from nose or ears

Contact

University Hospital of North Tees

Telephone: 01642 382799
24 hours a day, 7 days a week

What is a head injury?

Any knock on the head is called a head injury. You may have been dazed, confused or even lost consciousness for a short period.

It can be helpful to be aware of the signs and symptoms that could happen during your recovery.

What signs and symptoms could I have?

After a head injury you may find you suffer from headaches, dizziness, over-sensitivity to noise and bright light or slight blurring of vision (eyesight).

You may become forgetful, find concentration difficult, tire easily or need more sleep than usual. You may also be more irritable or anxious than usual. These problems are usually minor and tend to settle within about a month.

If I have these symptoms, what should I do?

Try not to over-stress yourself. Pace yourself and build up slowly to your previous levels or activity. This may mean not returning to work or driving for a few days. Try to avoid alcohol for a week, as you may be more sensitive to its effects.

If symptoms persist you should contact your GP.

Further information is available from:

NHS Choices

Telephone: 111 (When it is less urgent than 999)
Calls to this number are free from landlines and mobile phones or via the website at www.nhs.uk

Information used in the development of this leaflet

‘Head injury’, NICE clinical guideline 176. London (available at: www.guidance.nice.org.uk/CG176)

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]