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 is 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 you can follow these steps:
l 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. This will hep to bring down any swelling that you may have.
lDo rest and avoid any sort of stress – you or your child don’t need to stay awake if you’re tired.
lDo take some paracetamol to relieve pain or a headache that you might have but do not use ibuprofen or aspirin as they could cause the injury to bleed
lDo make sure an adult stays with you or your child for at least the first 24 hours following the incident – call 111 for advice if there’s nobody who can stay with you or if you are still unsure
Don’t go back to work or school until you’re feeling better.
And it's best not to drive until you feel you have fully recovered.
Also do not play contact sports for at least three weeks or take drugs (including sleeping tablets).
And do not drink any alcohol until you’re feeling better.
However, even if you follow the steps listed above you should seek medical advice if you or your child’s symptoms last more than two weeks.
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