Concussion Red Flags: When Should You Go to Hospital After a Head Injury?

When should you go to hospital after a concussion?

If someone has experienced a head injury and develops any of the warning signs below, they may have a more serious brain or spinal injury.

These symptoms require immediate medical attention. Call 000 for an ambulance if the person is seriously unwell, deteriorating or cannot be safely transported. Otherwise, arrange immediate assessment at the nearest hospital emergency department.

A person may initially appear well following a head injury and deteriorate later. New or worsening symptoms should always be taken seriously.

People taking blood-thinning medication, those with a bleeding disorder and those who have sustained a significant head injury may require emergency assessment even without the warning signs listed above.

Can you have a concussion without being knocked unconscious?

Yes. You do not need to lose consciousness to experience a concussion.

Many people who sustain a concussion remain conscious throughout the injury.

A person may be able to walk, talk and recall the incident while still experiencing changes in brain function.

Being awake, talking normally or feeling relatively well does not automatically rule out a concussion or a more serious injury.

If concussion is suspected, the person should stop their activity and arrange an appropriate clinical assessment.

My child has hit their head. Should I take them to hospital?

As a parent, watching your child experience a head injury can be frightening, particularly when you are unsure whether their symptoms are serious.

Children do not always describe their symptoms clearly. Younger children may struggle to explain that they feel dizzy, confused or have a headache.

Instead, you may notice that your child is unusually quiet, irritable, unsteady, sleepy or simply not behaving like themselves.

Children should be carefully monitored for the first 24 to 48 hours following a head injury, as some symptoms can develop later.

Children with suspected concussion should be assessed by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

If you are concerned about your child's condition, seek medical advice rather than relying solely on how they say they feel.

What if I have concussion symptoms but no emergency warning signs?

Not every suspected concussion requires hospital treatment.

However, an absence of red flags does not mean that an individual is concussion-free or that their injury can safely be ignored.

If you have experienced a head injury and are now dealing with headaches, dizziness, nausea, memory difficulties, changes in concentration or other concussion symptoms, arrange a clinical assessment with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

A concussion assessment can help establish whether the symptoms are consistent with concussion, identify areas of neurological function that may have been affected, and guide appropriate recovery and follow-up care.

If new red flags develop or your condition deteriorates while waiting for an appointment, seek emergency medical attention rather than waiting for your assessment.

What happens during a concussion assessment?

Once an emergency or more serious head injury has been excluded, a structured concussion assessment can help guide recovery.

At Melbourne Headache + Concussion Group, our concussion assessment process considers the circumstances of the injury, symptoms and relevant aspects of neurological function.

We use objective assessment tools, including Sway Medical and the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test, where clinically appropriate, to help inform recovery and return-to-activity decisions.

Our aim is to develop an appropriate management plan for returning to school, work, exercise or sport.

We also work alongside GPs and other healthcare professionals when further investigation, medical review or coordinated care is required.

Can I return to sport if my concussion symptoms disappear?

A concussion is not simply a headache that needs to settle before returning to sport.

Even when symptoms improve, an athlete may require further clinical assessment and a graduated return-to-sport program.

Athletes with suspected concussion should be immediately removed from play and must not return to sport on the day of the injury.

Returning to contact sport requires an appropriate recovery process, clinical review, medical clearance and adherence to the relevant sporting organisation's concussion protocols.

At Melbourne Headache + Concussion Group, we support athletes, parents and sporting clubs throughout concussion recovery, with structured assessment and return-to-play planning.

Concerned about a concussion? We are here to help.

Whether you have experienced a recent head injury, are concerned about your child's concussion symptoms or are struggling with ongoing symptoms following a previous concussion, accessing the right care is important.

If you have emergency warning signs, call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department immediately.

If you are medically stable but concerned about a possible concussion, our online screening tool can help you organise your symptoms before seeking clinical assessment.

1. Recognise the warning signs.
   Seek emergency medical care if any concussion red flags are present.
2. Complete the free screening.
   If no emergency warning signs are present, MHCG Assess can help you document your symptoms.
3. Arrange appropriate clinical care.
   Discuss your symptoms and screening report with a qualified healthcare professional.

Medical information: This article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you suspect a serious head injury, seek emergency medical attention.