Patient Information - Orthopaedic Clinic
Head injuries and concussions
This information is for patients who have received treatment at the Orthopaedic Clinic at Ahus.
Treatment and precautions
- You should not be alone the first 24 hours after the injury.
- Head injuries should be treated with rest until any headache and dizziness disappear.
- It is normal to feel tired and wanting to sleep. You may sleep, but in some cases, the doctor might instruct you to be woken up by someone with certain intervals.
- Drink small amounts at a time. Obtain from alcohol.
- Avoid watching TV, other screen-related activities and reading if headache or nausea is present.
For pain-relief
If in need of pain-relief use non-prescriptive painkillers containing paracetamol like; Pinex, Paracet and Paracetamol. Follow the package dosage instructions. Avoid other painkillers as they might camouflage symptoms that are important to observe.
Symptoms
Symptoms are light headache, reduced concentration and memory, increased fatigue, irritability, anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation and reduced tolerance to sound and light. In some cases, symptoms can last from days to weeks after the occurrence.
If symptoms increase
In some cases, symptoms may increase several hours after the injury occurred. Contact your physician if:
- You feel increased level of confusion, irritability or restlessness.
- There are difficulties in waking you after sleep.
- You feel nauseous and are vomiting.
- You have an increasing and constant, strong headache.
If in need of medical care, contact your registered physician, local acute medical clinic (phone 116 117) or if it is a emergency call 113.
The following can aggregate or prolong the symptoms
- Alcohol and other drugs. Avoid hypnotics or other tranquilizers if not prescribed by your physician.
- Sports with risk of new head injury like martial arts, football, handball and downhill skiing.