what to do if headache lasts more than a week

April 09, 2022 Post a Comment

It'due south non unusual to go a headache after hitting your head, and the headache can come and go as y'all go through a healing process typically lasting up to four weeks. As long as the headaches are diminishing, information technology's not likely that they represent a serious problem. However, any persistent headache that progressively worsens after the injury may indicate a more severe injury. In this case, you may need firsthand medical attention because at that place may be internal swelling or bleeding.

How to Manage the Headache After Hit Head

If the headache is non serious, the only treatment required is some residue and over-the-counter pain medication. Seek professional advice if you are concerned with the headache.

Resting for the first 24 hours later on the injury to give your body some fourth dimension to begin the healing process. You'll also desire to avoid whatever activities that risk further blows to the head until you have completely healed.
Using an ice pack for reducing the pain and swelling associated with the injury, and to forbid any further tissue damage. When using an ice pack, place the water ice in a plastic bag, wrap it with a towel and apply the cold pack on the injury for 15 to 20 minutes every hour as needed.
Buy acetaminophen at your local pharmacy to help control the hurting, and follow the direction on the characterization. It's important to call up that too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage.
Ibuprofen purchased from your pharmacy tin can also aid control any pain and swelling you may have. Notwithstanding, for certain people it may also cause stomach bleeding, kidney problems, and if you're using a blood thinning medication, exist certain to inquire your doctor if ibuprofen is safety for you to take.
Seek the assist of family unit or friends to take them check up on y'all from time to time and to wake you up every bit directed when yous're sleeping to make sure you lot are still thinking clearly.

When to See a Doc

When should you worry if you get a headache afterward hit head on something hard? You'll demand to seek emergency help if your headaches get persistent, gets worse, or if yous feel:

A period of unconsciousness
Problems staying alert or becoming sleepy several hours later injury
A clear fluid draining from your olfactory organ or ears (it's possible that this may be cerebrospinal fluid from around the brain.)
Bleeding from your ear(s)
Bruising behind your ear(s)
A fractured or penetrating skull injury
Slurred oral communication or difficulty speaking
Trouble understanding what others are saying
Difficulty reading or writing
Difficulty with walking or balancing
A loss of motor skills, or numbness and weakness in your artillery or legs
Blurry vision, or double vision
Sudden and uncontrollable seizures
Trouble remembering what happened or amnesia (retentivity loss)
Nausea and airsickness later the injury
Overall weakness
Unusual behaviour and irritability
Abnormal breathing patterns

Note: If you are taking medications which thin the blood, accept a history of bleeding, or take previously had brain surgery, seek medical attention for the injury to be sure no serious damage has occurred.

How to Tell If You lot Have a Brain Injury

i. Glasgow Coma Scale

A physician or other emergency medical personnel use the Glasgow coma scale to initially assess the severity of headache after hitting head. Checking the person'due south ability to move their eyes and limbs, follow directions, and observing the coherence of speech can provide of import clues as to how serious the injury may be. Abilities are scored numerically on the Glasgow Coma Scale, and the higher the score, the less astringent the injuries.

Glasgow Coma Scale
Eyes Opening
Spontaneous	4
To Loud Voice	3
To Hurting	ii
None	i
Exact Response
Oriented	5
Dislocated, Disoriented	4
Inappropriate Words	3
Incomprehensible Words	two
None	1
Motor Response
Obeys Control	6
Localizes Pain	5
Withdraws from Pain	4
Abnormal Flexion Posturing	iii
Extensor Posturing	2
None	1

2. Information About the Injury and Symptoms

The doctor asks for the following information to determine the severity of injury.

The cause of the injury
The amount of force that caused the injury
Whether or not the person lost consciousness
The length of fourth dimension of losing consciousness
Whether there are whatsoever changes in the person's alertness, speech, or coordination, and if at that place are any other visible signs of injury
Where on the head or other parts of the body the person was injured

3. Imaging Test and Intracranial Pressure Monitor

When your injury is serious enough to send you to the hospital, doctors may order imaging tests, and monitoring such as:

Computerized tomography (CT): CT imagery combines a series of 10-rays to create a cantankerous exclusive, detailed view of the brain. A CT scan can speedily place fractures and reveal bear witness of hemorrhaging (haemorrhage) in the encephalon, blood clots, brain tissue swelling, and contusions (bruising).
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI is a medical imaging technique that uses powerful radio waves, magnets and a computer to create a detailed picture of the brain. This test is typically used afterward the person's condition has been stabilized.
Intracranial pressure level monitor: A traumatic brain injury tin can cause tissue swelling and increase force per unit area on the encephalon within the skull causing additional damage to the brain. Doctors may insert a catheter through a pigsty drilled in the skull to monitor this pressure.

How to Prevent Hitting Your Head

The best fashion to control headache after hit caput is to foreclose hitting your head in the first place. Remember the post-obit tips in your daily life.

When participating in contact sports or other activities such every bit roller-skating, riding a bike, or skiing, wear protective gear including a helmet.
Article of clothing a seat chugalug at all times, and adjust the headrest to protect your head. Besides the accidents, wearing seat belts also protect your head in other circumstances, such every bit a sudden stop.
Avoid using throw rugs, because they are notoriously dangerous when put on a smooth surface. Stepping on them at the incorrect angle tin can send yous head over heels.
Keep stairways and hallways well lit, and install adequate lighting throughout your home. Brand sure in that location are handrails on all indoor and outdoor stairways.
Make the bathroom safe by using a prophylactic mat in the bathtub and remember to always clean up backlog water later showering to prevent slips and falls.
Clean up water spills as soon as possible, particularly effectually doorways, the laundry room, and kitchen floors.
Proceed pathways cleared. Make certain your indoor walkways are free of droppings and clutter. Be prepared for winter conditions by immigration snow from walkways and stairs.
Keep doors closed. Leaving a chiffonier or oven door open may consequence in an accidental injury.