A head injury refers to any blow or jolt to the head that can cause damage to the brain, ranging from mild bumps to more severe conditions. The brain, a soft organ protected by the hard skull, can move and strike against the skull and facial bones during an impact, potentially leading to swelling or bleeding.
Understanding Vomiting After a Head Injury
Vomiting after a head injury indicates the brain’s response to trauma. The rapid movement of the brain inside the skull can disrupt regions responsible for regulating nausea and vomiting. This disruption can also be caused by fluid buildup or bleeding within the skull, known as intracranial hemorrhage, which puts pressure on brain tissues.
A concussion, a mild form of traumatic brain injury, is a common cause of vomiting after a head injury. While a single episode of vomiting without other symptoms may not always be a serious concern, repeated vomiting can signal a worsening condition. Vomiting can also be associated with more severe injuries like skull fractures or a subdural hematoma, a collection of blood on the brain’s surface.
Timeline of Symptom Onset
Symptoms following a head injury, including vomiting, can manifest immediately or be delayed. Vomiting may appear right away or develop hours to days after the injury. If vomiting occurs immediately, it can indicate a concussion, warranting medical evaluation.
Other symptoms, such as changes in concentration, memory, irritability, or sensitivity to light and sound, might not become apparent until days after the initial impact. Even if symptoms are delayed, they still require attention. Vomiting can persist for several days or weeks, depending on the injury’s severity, though its frequency should decrease over time.
Other Warning Signs
Beyond vomiting, several other indicators can signal a more serious head injury. A headache that worsens and does not go away is a warning sign. Changes in consciousness, such as being dazed, confused, disoriented, or experiencing a loss of consciousness, even for a brief period, also require attention.
Other physical symptoms that warrant immediate attention include slurred speech, weakness or numbness in the limbs, and problems with balance or coordination. Seizures or convulsions, a change in pupil size (one pupil larger than the other), and clear fluid or blood draining from the ears or nose are also serious indicators. Behavioral changes, such as increased confusion, restlessness, agitation, or an inability to wake up from sleep, also require prompt medical evaluation.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Care
Immediate medical attention is recommended for any head injury, even if symptoms seem mild initially. If someone has vomited, especially if it’s repeated, or if they cannot keep food or liquids down, seek emergency care. Any loss of consciousness, even if brief, or a headache that worsens over time, also requires an emergency department visit.
Seek care if there are changes in behavior, such as unusual mood swings, difficulty concentrating, or problems with speech, reading, or writing. If the injured person experiences numbness, dizziness, weakness, or has trouble falling asleep or waking up, these also warrant an emergency room visit. While waiting for medical help, ensure the person is not left alone and avoid giving certain medications unless advised by a healthcare professional.