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Head Injury (Ages 12 and over) - Adults

Infants (Ages 0–2)Children (Ages 3–17)Adults (Ages 18–74)Seniors (Ages 75 and Older)

What it is

A head injury occurs when the head receives a blow or impact. For example, an object may hit the head, or the head may hit the ground during a fall.

What you can do at home

What to do
  • Get comfortable and ask for help if needed. 
  • If there is a minor wound, gently wash it with tap water and mild, unscented soap: see the Superficial Wound advice.
  • If there is a bump or bruise, apply a cold washcloth for 15 minutes: see the Bruise or Bump advice. 
  • Choose restful activities and have small meals. 
  • To reduce pain, take acetaminophen (Tylenol). When in doubt, ask a pharmacist for advice.

Important: Ibuprofen is contraindicated for children under 6 months of age. 

If the wound is bleeding heavily 

  • Place a bandage or clean cloth over the wound. 
  • Apply pressure to the bandage for 15 minutes. 
  • Once the bleeding has slowed, gently wash the wound with tap water and mild, unscented soap for a few minutes, then rinse. 
  • Cover the wound with a bandage. 
  • Change the bandage once a day or whenever it becomes dirty or wet. 

Monitor symptoms

  • Monitor the injured person for the first 2 hours after the injury. 
  • Watch for: headache, dizziness, nausea, unusual tiredness, blurred vision, or loss of balance. 
  • Continue to monitor for symptoms for 3 days. 
  • Inform your child’s school about the head injury, if necessary. 

When to seek medical attention

The wound is open or deep and may need stitches.
The skin around the wound becomes red, swollen, or warm, or there is pus (yellow-green fluid).
The headache lasts for more than 3 days.

When to go to the hospital right away

The injured person fell from a height of more than 1 meter or fell down more than 5 steps.
The injured person has used drugs or alcohol.
The injured person lost consciousness or is very confused.
The wound continues to bleed even after applying pressure.
The injury was caused by physical violence.
The injured person takes blood-thinning medication.
The injured person develops any of the following symptoms within 3 days of the head injury:
  • seizures; 
  • confusion; 
  • difficulty breathing; 
  • difficulty walking; 
  • problems with balance or muscle weakness; 
  • difficulty speaking; 
  • severe headache or neck pain; 
  • fluid coming from the nose or ears; 
  • unequal pupils (the black circles in the eyes); 
  • tingling in an arm or leg; 
  • bruising behind the ear; 
  • a black eye. 
Vomiting starts or continues more than 4 hours after the head injury.

Need help?

Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time.   

Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment.   

  • Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.   
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See also

See all advices
See all advices