Head injury advice

Recognising concussion

Priority is to recognise anyone with suspected concussion.

Concussion should be suspected if one or more of the following visible clues, signs, symptoms or errors in memory questions are present.

1. Visual clues of suspected concussion

Any one or more of the following visual clues can indicate a possible concussion:

Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness.
Lying motionless on the ground / slow to get up.
Unsteady on feet / Balance problems or falling over / In-coordination.
Grabbing / clutching of head.
Dazed blank or vacant look.
Confused / not aware of events.

2. signs and symptoms of suspected concussion

Presence of any of the following signs and symptoms may suggest a concussion:

Loss of consciousness.
Headache or pressure in the head.
Seizure or convulsion.
Dizziness or balance problems.
Confusion.
Difficulty concentrating.
Nausea or vomitting.
Drowsiness, feeling slowed down, fatigue or low energy.
More emotional or sadness.
Blurred vision, or sensitivity to light or noise.
Nervous, anxious or irritable.
Difficulty remembering or amnesia.
Neck pain.
"Don't feel right".

3. Memory function

Failure to answer any of the following questions correctly may suggest a concussion:

What venue are we at today?
Which half/round is it now?
Who scored last in this game?
What team did you play last week/game?
Did your team win the last game
What day is it today?
What is your birthday?

Any one playing sports who has a suspected concussion should be immediately removed from play. and should not be returned to activity until they are assessed medically.

Anyone with a suspected concussion should not be left alone and should not drive a motor vehicle.

4. RED flags - for potentially more serious head injury

If any of the following are reported or develop while under observation, the patient should be referred directly to A&E / 999 ambulance services for urgent assessment

Deteriorating consciousness state.
Increasing confusion or irritability.
Severe or increasing headache.
Repeated vomiting.
Unusual behavior change.
Seizure or convulsion.
Double vision or deafness.
Weakness or tingling/burning in arms or legs.

NICE Head injury guidance

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