What happens if you hit your head on a pole?

Asked by: Elwin Quigley  |  Last update: May 12, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (39 votes)

A concussion may result when the head strikes against an object or is struck by an object. Concussions may produce unconsciousness or bleeding in or around the brain. Helmets can save lives and prevent trauma, but only if they are worn properly.

How do I know if my head is okay after hitting it?

Seek emergency care for an adult or child who experiences a head injury and any of these symptoms: Repeated vomiting or nausea. A loss of consciousness lasting longer than 30 seconds. A headache that gets worse over time.

What to do if you hit your head on a pole?

Always seek medical attention for a head injury. There is no specific treatment for mild head injury other than plenty of rest and not overdoing things. It can take some time for the brain to recover from a head injury and during this time, headaches, dizziness and mild cognitive (thought) problems are common.

What should I watch after a hard hit to the head?

Watch for changes in breathing and alertness.

Someone with head trauma can be driven to the emergency department if the person can walk and is alert but has: Black-and-blue marks below the eyes or behind the ears. Confusion.

Should I go to the ER after hitting my head?

Go to the emergency room if you experience a head injury and have any concussion symptoms, even if they don't start for hours or days. Go to the ER or call 911 (or your local emergency services number) right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: A severe headache that keeps getting worse. Seizures.

What happens when you get a hard knock to the head?

31 related questions found

How long after hitting your head are you out of danger?

Approximately 80 percent of concussions resolve over seven to 14 days, with an average of 10 days. People with concussions should never return to sports or other physical activity sooner than one week from sustaining the injury.

What are the symptoms of a slow brain bleed?

Symptoms of a subdural haematoma can include:
  • a headache that keeps getting worse.
  • feeling and being sick.
  • confusion.
  • personality changes, such as being unusually aggressive or having rapid mood swings.
  • feeling drowsy and finding it difficult to keep your eyes open.
  • speech problems, such as slurred speech.

What do you watch for after you hit your head?

Call 911 or the local emergency number right away if: There is severe head or face bleeding. The person is confused, tired, or unconscious. The person stops breathing.

What part of the head is most vulnerable?

Frontal lobe

It is directly behind the forehead, which makes it the most vulnerable region for a traumatic brain injury.

How long will my head hurt after hitting it hard?

The brain typically takes 2−3 weeks to heal from a concussion when following the Progressive Return to Activity. During this time, symptoms such as headache usually resolve on their own. However, pushing through your symptoms during the recovery process may cause them to last longer.

How long after hitting your head can brain bleed occur?

Symptoms of an intracranial hematoma may develop right after a head injury, or they may take weeks or longer to appear. There may be a period of time without symptoms after a head injury. This is called the lucid interval.

How do I check myself for a concussion?

A few signs to look for soon after a suspected concussion include:
  1. Blurred or double vision.
  2. Eye strain.
  3. Light sensitivity.
  4. Unusually sized pupils.
  5. Eye movement.
  6. Trouble focusing.
  7. Confusion.
  8. Loss of consciousness.

What happens if you accidentally hit a pole?

If you hit any type of pole, you may have to pay for the damage to your vehicle, the pole, and any other property damaged in the accident, and any tickets you receive. If you have collision coverage, your insurance should pay to repair or replace your vehicle.

What are red flags after hitting your head?

Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department if you notice any of the following danger signs following a bump, blow, or jolt to the head: Convulsions or seizures (shaking or twitching) Not able to recognize people or places. Repeated nausea or vomiting.

When to go to the ER for a headache?

Seek emergency care if:

The headache is accompanied by high fever, confusion, stiff neck, prolonged vomiting, slurred speech or numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body. Headache medication does not relieve chronic or excruciating pain.

Can I sleep after I hit my head?

Is it safe to sleep after a head injury? “It's a common misconception that you need to keep someone awake after a head injury. It's not dangerous to sleep, in fact, rest is an important part of recovery,” says Dr. Steineke.

When to go to the ER after hitting your head?

Emerman says patients who've suffered a head injury should visit the Emergency Department immediately if they: Lost consciousness or became confused/disoriented after they were injured. Suffered the injury at a high speed (car or bike accident, a steep fall, etc.) Are vomiting or feel nauseated.

Should I be worried after hitting my head hard?

Most head injuries are not serious, but you should get medical help if you or your child have any symptoms after a head injury. You might have concussion (temporary brain injury) that can last a few weeks.

How can I tell if a head injury is mild or severe?

Symptoms may include:
  1. Mild head injury: Raised, swollen area from a bump or a bruise. Small, superficial (shallow) cut in the scalp. Headache. ...
  2. Moderate to severe head injury (requires immediate medical attention)--symptoms may include any of the above plus: Loss of consciousness. Severe headache that does not go away.

How do you know if someone is OK after hitting their head?

Symptoms of concussion
  1. lose consciousness.
  2. be confused.
  3. have a blank expression.
  4. take an unusually long amount of time to answer questions.
  5. struggle to balance.
  6. show inappropriate emotional responses, like laughing or crying without explanation.
  7. act out of character, like being unusually irritable.

What should you do immediately after hitting your head?

If you are at home, to help your recovery you should rest quietly and limit your reading and screen time. You can use icepacks on painful areas and take paracetamol, but not other pain medicines. Someone should stay with you for 24 hours. Do not drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours after a head injury.

What happens if a concussion goes untreated?

If treated properly, the majority of people will fully recover from a concussion. However, untreated concussions can lead to serious injury or death. It is important to learn the signs and symptoms of a concussion.

How to tell if you have a brain bleed after hitting your head?

Symptoms of brain hemorrhage

Sudden or severe headache. Weakness, tingling or numbness in the arms or legs (often on one side) Nausea or vomiting. Dizziness.

Can a brain bleed go unnoticed?

There are usually no warning signs, but a subarachnoid haemorrhage sometimes happens during physical effort or straining, such as coughing, going to the toilet, lifting something heavy or having sex.

What are the signs of lack of blood flow to the brain?

Stroke. Stroke is an abrupt interruption of constant blood flow to the brain that causes loss of neurological function. The interruption of blood flow can be caused by a blockage, leading to the more common ischemic stroke, or by bleeding in the brain, leading to the more deadly hemorrhagic stroke.