Adults

In rare cases, along with a concussion, a dangerous blood clot may form on the brain and crowd the brain against the skull. Contact your doctor or emergency department right away if, after a blow or jolt to the head, you have any of these danger signs:

• Headaches that get worse
• Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
• Repeated vomiting

The people checking on you should take you to an emergency department if you:

• Cannot be awakened
• Have one pupil – the black part in the middle of the eye – larger than the other
• Have convulsions or seizures
• Have slurred speech
• Are getting more and more confused, restless, or agitated

Children

Take your child to the emergency department right away if the child has received a blow or jolt to the head and:

• Has any of the danger signs for adults
• Won’t stop crying
• Can’t be consoled
• Won’t nurse or eat

Although you should contact your child’s doctor if your child vomits more than once or twice, vomiting is more common in younger children and is less likely to be an urgent sign of danger than it is in an adult.