The doctor will examine the patient for any signs of brain damage, which would require admission to the hospital for observation and treatment. However, if the doctor concludes that there are no symptoms of brain damage, he/she will suggest that the patient rest at home, with instructions for the patient’s relatives to look for these symptoms over the next 24-48 hours:

1. The patient should be woken up every two hours, including night time or sleeping time, to check for

• Confusion, such as not knowing where they are or speaking unintelligibly.
• Extreme sleepiness or inability to wake up.
• Exhaustion, numbness or inability to move a part of the body.

2. The following unusual symptoms:

• Nausea, repeated vomiting
• Severe dizziness
• Severe headache or agitation
• Muscle spasticity or seizures
• Difficulty in moving or walking
• Respiratory changes, such as hyperventilation, difficult breathing, or abnormally slow breathing

While the initial check-up may show no signs of brain damage, symptoms may occur later. Therefore the patient should be monitored closely, especially for the first 48 hours after head injury. If the patient shows any of the above symptoms they should be taken to the hospital immediately.
 

Medicine prescribed by the doctor should be taken as instructed. Avoid sleeping pills or any other medication that may cause drowsiness.