A knock, bump or blow to the head is a common type of injury. Each year over one million people visit hospital with a head injury, with approximately 135,000 being admitted because of the severity of their injury.
However, for most people a head injury is usually quite minor. A minor head injury or bump or knock to the head should not result in any permanent damage, and symptoms are usually mild and short-lasting.
As long as someone remains conscious and there is no deep cut or damage to the head (such as broken bone), then there will usually be no damage to the brain. Such a minor injury does not normally require any specific treatment, except rest and close observation.
Children often have minor head injuries
Children are particularly prone to having minor head injuries as they have high energy levels and little sense of danger. However, if you notice your child's symptoms worsen after a knock, or blow, to the head, you should seek medical assistance straight away.
This is due to the fact that, in some cases, the symptoms of a more severe injury can take time to develop. It is therefore very important that you observe your child closely following a bump or knock to the head, to check for changes in their symptoms or behaviour.
Be alert to changes in your condition
If you have suffered a minor head injury, try to stay with someone for the first 24 hours, and make them aware that you have had a head injury. This way they can be alert to any changes in your symptoms.
If you have had a minor head injury, it may have implications for driving. See the 'useful links' section for how to inform the DVLA about medical conditons.
