If you have sustained a minor head injury, there is a small risk that complications will develop. For a few days after the injury, be aware of any more serious symptoms developing.

See Symptoms of minor head injury for a list of the symptoms that will require urgent medical attention.

Post-concussional syndrome

Some people may experience long-term symptoms after sustaining a minor head injury. This could be post-concussional syndrome. Symptoms include:

• having trouble looking after yourself
• not being able to work
• a persistent (continuous) headache
• dizziness
• feeling weak
• tinnitus (a perception of noise in one or both ears, or inside the head)
• nausea (feeling sick)
• trouble sleeping and fatigue (extreme tiredness)
• memory problems
• problems understanding other people
• poor concentration

See your GP if you still experience these symptoms a few weeks after sustaining a minor head injury. Your GP may recommend that you reduce your daily activities to a more manageable level and change your sleeping pattern.

The above symptoms usually clear up in around three months but, if necessary, you may need to be referred for further assessment. This could be with a neurologist, who specialises in problems of the nervous system (brain, spinal cord and nerves), or a psychiatrist (a mental health specialist).

Getting support

If you experience any complications from your head injury, you may find it useful to talk to someone about it.

Headway, the brain injury association, is a charity that provides help and support to people who are affected by head injuries.

For further information about all aspects of head injuries, call the Headway helpline (0808 800 2244) between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. The helpline staff can:

• advise you about other sources of support
• help you find local rehabilitation services
• give you support and advice if you are experiencing problems

You can also use the website to search for Headway services near you. They offer a wide range of services, including rehabilitation programmes, carer support, social re-integration, community outreach and respite care (when short-term support is provided for someone who needs care, for example to give the usual carers a break). 

Headway cannot give medical advice or a diagnosis. For this, See your GP or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.