MANAGEMENT OF A HEAD INJURY AT HOME

March is National Athletic Training Awareness month. Therapy Center is providing several articles to increase awareness of the profession and to educate the public on common injuries that we see in our outpatient clinic. Enjoy!

It is not unusual to have a short period of nausea, occasional vomiting, and mild to moderate headache following a head injury. However, it is essential that the patient/athlete be assessed by a trained medical personal or a physician following any head injury.

headinjury
photo credit http://sportsmedicine.about.com

For the first 24 hours following a head injury, the patient/athlete should:

  • Rest at home.
  • Avoid strenuous activities, including practice.
  • Avoid mentally stimulating activities such as video games, texting, watching TV, using computers, and reading.
  • Drink plenty of clear fluids and avoid spicy/seasoned foods.
  • Should not drink alcohol or ingest caffeine.
  • Should not take any medication not prescribed.

Report to a physician if any of the following occur:

  • Cannot be aroused.
  • Abnormally drowsy when awake.
  • Demonstrates a change in normal behavior.
  • Experiences blurred vision, seeing double, or crossed eyes.
  • Experiences unequal pupils.
  • Develops difficulty balancing, walking or unsteadiness of gait.
  • Develops persistent dizziness or light-headedness.
  • Develops convulsions or seizure-like activity.
  • Develops repeated or forceful vomiting (more than twice).
  • Has leakage of clear fluid or blood from ear or nose (do not blow nose or block drainage.)
  • Develops weakness, clumsiness, difficulty, or loss of feeling/numbness in arms or legs.
  • Experiences stiff neck or significant pain with moving neck.
  • Develops difficulty speaking or breathing.

It is essential that a physician assess any of the above symptoms. For more information about our athletic training and outpatient services or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.

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