---
title: "Head injury and concussion: Symptoms & Treatment"
description: "Concussion symptoms, home observation after a minor head injury, and the red flags that require A&E or 999."
url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/head-injury-and-concussion/
robots: noindex
---

# Head injury and concussion: Symptoms & Treatment

Health A–Z

Concussion symptoms, home observation after a minor head injury, and the red flags that require A&E or 999.

Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 1 August 2026

## Quick answer

What are head injury and concussion? Concussion is a temporary brain injury after a blow or jolt to the head. Headache, dizziness, nausea, tiredness, poor concentration and memory problems can follow. Worsening drowsiness, repeated vomiting, a seizure, weakness, unusual behaviour or loss of consciousness needs emergency assessment.

## Who is this page for?

This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Head injury and concussion, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally.

## Who should skip this page?

Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland.

On this page 3 sections

## Key facts about head injury and concussion

- Symptoms can appear immediately or over the following hours.
- An adult should stay with the injured person for the first 24 hours.
- Avoid alcohol, driving, contact sport and recreational drugs until recovered.

## Symptoms of concussion

Common symptoms include headache, feeling dazed, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, irritability, slowed thinking and difficulty remembering events.

## Looking after a minor injury

Rest, use a wrapped cold pack for short periods and take paracetamol if suitable. An adult should observe the injured person for 24 hours. Follow any hospital discharge instructions.

## Recovery

Return gradually to work, study and exercise. Stop and step back if symptoms worsen. Avoid driving until concentration and reaction speed feel normal.

## ! When to see a GP about head injury and concussion

Call **999** for difficulty staying awake, a seizure, weakness, problems speaking or walking, clear fluid from the nose or ears, or a serious mechanism of injury. Attend A&E for loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, a worsening headache, memory loss, unusual behaviour, blood-thinning medicines or a bleeding disorder.

## Common questions about head injury and concussion

Is it safe to sleep after a head injury? A tired person does not need to be kept awake if serious warning signs have been excluded, but a responsible adult should stay with them and follow discharge advice. How long does concussion last? Many people improve within about 2 weeks. Persistent symptoms, especially in children, need medical review. When can I return to sport? Do not return to contact sport until fully recovered and follow a gradual return plan; seek professional advice if symptoms recur.

## Sources

- [NHS — Head injury and concussion](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/head-injury-and-concussion/)