When to get help urgently

Most head injuries don't become emergencies. Some do, and the signs can appear hours or even a couple of days later.

Get emergency help straight away for any of these

A headache that keeps getting worse
Being sick (vomiting) more than once
A seizure or fit
Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg
Slurred speech, or trouble speaking or understanding
Vision changes, or pupils of different sizes
Clear fluid or blood from the nose or ears
Confusion that's getting worse, or not recognising people or places
Becoming very drowsy, or hard to wake
Any loss of consciousness, even briefly

If you're struggling to cope

Low mood, anxiety and hopelessness are common after a brain injury, partly from the injury, partly from everything it changes. This is a recognised part of brain injury, not a character flaw, and it responds to support.

Please tell your GP or rehabilitation team how you're feeling. If you need someone to talk to right now:

UK & Ireland: Samaritans, free, 24 hours: 116 123
US & Canada: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988
Australia: Lifeline, 24 hours: 13 11 14
New Zealand: Need to talk? free call or text 1737

Brain injury charities also run helplines staffed by people who understand this specifically, see Find support.

Emergency numbers

UK: 999, or 111 for urgent advice
US & Canada: 911
Ireland: 112 or 999
Australia: 000
New Zealand: 111

Always get checked

Anyone on blood-thinning medication, or who has had a previous brain injury, should be assessed after a head injury even if they feel completely fine.