Head injury claims

Head trauma may affect the scalp, skull, brain or nearby senses. A concussion is a clinical diagnosis and cannot be confirmed by an online description. Symptoms and their timing can vary, and some significant problems are not obvious immediately.

A blow, fall, collision or rapidly changing movement can cause scalp injury or concussion symptoms. A forceful impact may cause a skull fracture or more serious brain injury, which requires urgent assessment. Head injuries may occur alongside neck injury, facial injury or a loss of consciousness; each needs appropriate clinical consideration. A person's account, witness observations and contemporaneous medical notes can help distinguish what was observed from later recollection.

Headache, dizziness, nausea, tiredness or sensitivity to light or noise. Difficulty concentrating, remembering, sleeping or managing usual sensory demands. Changes in mood, balance, vision or ability to complete work and daily tasks; symptoms may evolve.

Emergency or clinical records, discharge advice, imaging reports and follow-up or rehabilitation notes. A contemporaneous timeline of the event, loss or alteration of consciousness if observed, symptoms and changes noticed by others. Records of time away or adjustments at work, support with daily activities and documented expenses.

Recovery varies with injury severity, prior health, symptoms and any associated injuries. Follow discharge instructions and the treating clinician's advice. NHS guidance advises urgent emergency assessment for concerning features such as loss of consciousness, difficulty staying awake, seizure, repeated vomiting or worsening symptoms; this summary is not a complete triage list. Call emergency services for an immediate serious concern. For possible serious head injury, seek emergency help. NHS general guidance identifies loss of consciousness, difficulty staying awake, seizure, repeated vomiting and worsening symptoms among reasons for urgent assessment.

Concentration, screen tolerance, balance, fatigue, memory or sensory sensitivity can affect work in ways that are not visible to others. Record the duties changed, breaks or adjustments, clinical advice, absence and effects on earnings without treating a symptom diary as a diagnosis.