Q. I’ve bumped my head. Do I need to go to A and E?

A. You don’t always need to go to A and E or seek medical attention if you or your child has a bump on your or their head. If it is a mild bump you can treat it yourself by following some basic steps.

It's normal to have symptoms such as a slight headache, or feeling sick or dazed, for up to two weeks if you’ve had a sharp bump.

To help your recovery follow the following steps:

Hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas in a tea towel) to the injury regularly for short periods in the first few days to bring down any swelling.

Rest and avoid stress. You or your child don't need to stay awake if you're tired.

Take paracetamol to relieve pain or a headache. Do not use ibuprofen or aspirin as they could cause the injury to bleed.

Make sure an adult stays with you or your child for at least the first 24 hours. Call 111 for advice if there's nobody who can stay with you.

Don’t go back to work or school until you're feeling better, drive until you feel you have fully recovered, play contact sports for at least three weeks or take drugs (including sleeping tablets) or drink alcohol until you're feeling better.

You should seek medical advice if you or your child's symptoms last more than a couple of weeks.