POPIN Friday Fact

Traumatic Brain (Head) Injury Facts

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Following a brain injury/concussion, you should be alert for symptoms that may not show up for days or even weeks after the injury.

 

A child should return to the emergency department, see his/her physician or call 911 immediately if any one of these occurs:

 

� Cannot be awakened (call 911)

� Seems increasingly sleepy

� Cannot stop vomiting (throwing up)

� Has a seizure(s) or a sudden onset of daydreaming or a fixed stare

� Has dramatic mood swings, very irritated, sad, or agitated

� Says he/she cannot see clearly or has blurred or double vision

� Is not speaking clearly, seems confused, or doesn't know who you are

� Has blood or clear fluid from the nose or ears

� Has increased headaches or neck stiffness

� Has pupils (black center of the eye) that are different sizes

� Is stumbling or has other problems with walking

� Is experiencing dizziness

 

An adult should return to the emergency department, see his/her physician or call 911 immediately if he/she experiences any of the following:

 

� Has trouble answering simple questions (What day is it? What happened to you?)

� Has trouble waking up completely

� Has a headache that is getting worse even after medication

� Has changes in behavior or personality or does not recognize friends/family

� Is still vomiting (throwing-up) 8 hours after the injury. Or vomiting that starts 1 to 2 hours after the injury

� Has pupils (black center of the eye) that are different sizes

� Is stumbling or has other problems with walking

� Has double vision, blurred vision, or visual field cuts

� Is slurring speech, or repeating questions

� Has seizures (convulsions), fixed stares, or "daydreaming"

� Is experiencing blood or clear fluid from the nose or ears

� Is experiencing dizziness

 

If you notice that symptoms are getting worse since the injury or if you answer YES to the following questions, you should talk with the doctor about getting help.

 

� Has there been a personality change?

� Does the individual get angry for no reason?

� Does the individual get lost or get easily confused?

� Does the individual have more trouble than usual making decisions?

� Is there a significant drop in performance (school, work, sports, social, etc.)?

� Are there problems in thinking processes (memory, concentration, learning, speaking, understanding)?

 

 

Resources:

* This information came from the Brain Injury Association of Florida Inc. at 800-992-3442 or visit their website at: www.biaf.org. Email, [email protected].


 

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