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Head trauma: First aid
By Mayo Clinic staffMayo Clinic Health Manager
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Most head trauma involves injuries that are minor and don't require hospitalization. However, dial 911 or call for emergency medical assistance if any of the following signs are apparent:
- Severe head or facial bleeding
- Bleeding from the nose or ears
- Severe headache
- Change in level of consciousness for more than a few seconds
- Black-and-blue discoloration below the eyes or behind the ears
- Cessation of breathing
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Weakness or an inability to use an arm or leg
- Unequal pupil size
- Repeated vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Seizures
If severe head trauma occurs:
- Keep the person still. Until medical help arrives, keep the injured person lying down and quiet in a darkened room, with the head and shoulders slightly elevated. Don't move the person unless necessary and avoid moving the person's neck.
- Stop any bleeding. Apply firm pressure to the wound with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. But don't apply direct pressure to the wound if you suspect a skull fracture.
- Watch for changes in breathing and alertness. If the person shows no signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement), begin CPR.
