Head injuries are common and potentially serious injuries. Head injuries have a range of severity from minor concussion to life-threatening / life-altering brain injuries. 

Knowing the warning signs of a serious head injury is important. Recognising a serious head injury early is vital, early advanced medical help can be the difference between life and death. 

These are common signs of a serious head injury:

• Persistent reduced level of consciousness
• Confusion / loss of memory
• Vomiting
• Double vision
• Difficulty walking or speaking
• Seizures (fits)
• Worsening headache
• Clear/straw coloured fluid leaking from the ears or nose
• Any signs of a fractured skull

If you suspect a victim has sustained a serious head injury then do not delay in calling for emergency medical help.

Signs of a serious head injury may not develop immediately after the injury has occurred. It may be several hours before these signs appear. Always ensure someone who has sustained a head injury is left in the care of a responsible person for at least 24 hours after the injury.