Head Injury
Head injuries can cause symptoms that resolve quickly or continue beyond the initial recovery period. If you have ongoing headaches, dizziness, memory changes or other difficulties after an injury, a neurological assessment may help clarify the next steps.
Enquire about a consultationUnderstanding head injuries
A head injury can range from a minor bump to a more significant traumatic brain injury. The effect depends on the circumstances, severity and symptoms that follow.
Concussion is a form of mild traumatic brain injury. It may temporarily affect memory, concentration, balance or other functions, even when a scan shows no structural injury. Some people recover within days or weeks; others experience symptoms that require further assessment and support.
The priority immediately after an injury is to identify potentially serious complications. A planned neurology consultation is most relevant once urgent concerns have been addressed and symptoms remain unexplained or persistent.
Problems that may follow a head injury
Symptoms vary from person to person and may change as recovery progresses.
Headaches
Headaches can develop or change after an injury, sometimes resembling migraine or tension-type headache.
Dizziness and balance
Feeling unsteady, light-headed or unusually sensitive to movement can interfere with everyday activities.
Memory and concentration
Some people notice forgetfulness, slower thinking or difficulty focusing on work and conversations.
Fatigue and sleep
Tiredness, altered sleep patterns and reduced tolerance for busy environments may occur.
Mood and sensitivity
Irritability, anxiety, low mood or increased sensitivity to light and noise can accompany recovery.
Persistent neurological symptoms
Continuing weakness, sensory changes or other neurological difficulties need appropriate medical review.
When is a head injury an emergency?
Seek urgent assessment after a recent head injury if symptoms are concerning, even if the person initially seemed well.
Call 999 for emergency help if someone:
- Cannot be woken, cannot stay awake or has a seizure
- Develops new weakness, numbness, problems speaking or difficulty walking
- Has a serious high-speed injury, suspected skull fracture or clear fluid leaking from the ears or nose
Other signs need prompt medical assessment
Attend A&E or follow NHS 111 advice for problems such as vomiting, a persistent headache after injury, memory loss around the event or a brief loss of consciousness.
People taking anticoagulant medicines, or certain antiplatelet medicines, may need assessment even when an injury appears relatively minor.
This is a summary, not a complete emergency checklist. See the NHS head injury guidance or call 111 if you are unsure. Do not use a website enquiry form for emergencies.
How are persistent symptoms investigated?
Assessment starts with what happened during the injury, how symptoms developed, their effect on day-to-day life and any previous emergency care.
Review the injury history
Discuss the mechanism of injury, any loss of consciousness, emergency assessments, current symptoms and relevant medical history.
Neurological examination
Assess relevant aspects of movement, sensation, coordination, balance and cognition, according to the symptoms described.
Plan appropriate next steps
Review existing scans or investigations and consider whether further tests, targeted treatment or a rehabilitation referral would be useful.
A CT scan is usually the first-line scan when an acute, clinically important head injury is suspected. MRI or other investigations may sometimes be appropriate later, depending on clinical findings.
Managing symptoms after head injury
Support is tailored to the problems a person is experiencing, rather than based on a single treatment for every head injury.
Headache management
Identify the headache type, discuss suitable treatment and review patterns of painkiller use where relevant.
Gradual return to activities
Balance rest with a careful return to work, exercise and normal routines, guided by symptoms and medical advice.
Specialist rehabilitation
Persistent cognitive, balance or functional difficulties may benefit from input by neurorehabilitation, physiotherapy, vestibular services or neuropsychology.
Do not return to contact sports or other activities with risk of another head injury until suitably assessed and advised.
How Dr Yasser Falah can help
Dr Falah is a London-based Consultant Neurologist. He can assess persistent neurological concerns after a head injury, review previous reports and investigations and discuss possible explanations for ongoing symptoms.
Where appropriate, he can advise on further investigation, symptom management or referral to another specialist or rehabilitation service. A private neurology appointment does not replace emergency assessment for a recent or deteriorating injury.
About Dr Yasser FalahHelpful information to bring
- The date and circumstances of your injury
- Emergency department letters and any scan reports
- A list of current medicines
- Notes on symptoms, recovery and activities affected
See consultation fees and clinic locations.
Head injury FAQs
Can a mild head injury cause symptoms for several weeks?
Yes. Symptoms such as headaches, tiredness, dizziness or difficulty concentrating can continue after concussion. Most people improve, but persistent or worsening symptoms should be medically reviewed.
Do I need a brain scan after hitting my head?
Not everyone needs a scan. An emergency clinician assesses the injury, symptoms and risk factors to decide whether a CT scan is necessary. A routine private neurology appointment is not a substitute for urgent assessment after a recent injury.
What is the difference between concussion and traumatic brain injury?
Concussion is a form of mild traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild to severe and may involve lasting problems with thinking, movement, behaviour or other neurological functions.
When should I seek help for ongoing symptoms?
If headaches, dizziness, memory problems or other symptoms continue beyond the expected recovery period, affect daily life or become worse, seek medical advice. A GP can advise whether specialist neurological or rehabilitation assessment is appropriate.
Can a neurologist help with post-traumatic headaches?
A neurologist can assess the headache pattern, review the injury history, look for other possible explanations and discuss suitable treatment or referral options.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring any emergency department discharge summary, scan reports, a list of medicines and a short timeline of the injury, subsequent symptoms and their effect on your daily activities.
Related information
Experiencing ongoing symptoms after a head injury?
Enquire about a neurological consultation with Dr Yasser Falah to review persistent symptoms and discuss appropriate next steps.
This information is general guidance and does not replace emergency care or personalised medical advice.