Minor brain injury

A brief period of unconsciousness, or just feeling sick and dizzy, may result from a person banging their head getting into the car, walking into the top of a low door way, or slipping over in the street. It is estimated that 75-80% of all head injuries fall into this category.

The effects of a minor head injury can be anything but minor to the person concerned. They can include nausea, headaches, dizziness, impaired concentration, memory problems, extreme tiredness, intolerance to light and noise, and can lead to anxiety and depression. When problems like this persist, they are often called post-concussion syndrome.

A common problem is that either no scans were done at the time of the accident, or subsequent scans show no damage. This frequently gives rise to the impression that there is nothing medically wrong. The persistent problems can be misunderstood by GP's, sometimes being considered as almost hypochondria on the part of the patient. Although it is true that in some cases where the symptoms persist for months a psychological element such as depression can come into play. Whilst this may make existing conditions even more difficult to live with, it is not on the whole true or helpful to say that 'it is all in the mind'. A second opinion should be sought from a neurologist or neuro-psychologist.

It is important that relatives and employers are warned about the possible effects of a minor head injury, and for plans to be made accordingly. These might include not rushing to return to work, keeping stress to a minimum in the short term, and abstaining from alcohol. One study showed that almost one third of people with a minor head injury were not working full-time three months after receiving the injury, although other studies have been much more optimistic. Difficulties are certainly made much worse if the person has a mentally demanding job where there is a low margin for error.

The general conclusion seems to be that the vast majority of people who experience a minor head injury make a full recovery, usually after 3-4 months. However there is a very small sub-group whose recovery is not so good.

See our booklet 'Minor brain injury' for more details, and our factsheet 'Minor head injury discharge advice' for important information after sustaining a head injury.