Concussion Treatment

Self-Care at Home

Bleeding under the scalp, but outside the skull, creates a "goose egg" or large bruise at the site of the head injury. A goose egg is common and will go away on its own with time. The use of ice immediately after the trauma may help decrease its size.

• Do not apply ice directly to the skin - use a washcloth as a barrier and wrap the ice in it. You may also use a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in cloth, as this will conform nicely to the shape of the head.
  
  
• Apply ice for 20-30 minutes at a time and repeat about every two to four hours as needed. There is little benefit after 24 hours.
  
  
• For a minor head injury that results from a fall onto carpet or from a distance that is less than the height of the person who fell, contacting a doctor is usually not needed if there is no loss of consciousness (in other words, the person was not "knocked out"). Apply ice to lessen the swelling and monitor for worsening symptoms that necessitate a visit to the doctor.

Medical Treatment

Bed rest, fluids, and a mild pain reliever such as acetaminophen ( Tylenol) may be prescribed.

• Ice may be applied to bumps for pain relief and to decrease the swelling.
  
  
• Cuts will be numbed with medication such as lidocaine, by injection or topical application. The cut will then be cleansed thoroughly with a saline solution and possibly an iodine solution. The physician will explore the injury to look for foreign matter and hidden injuries. The wound usually will be closed with skin staples, stitches (sutures), or, occasionally, a skin glue called cyanoacrylate (Dermabond).