1. Learn What You Shouldn't Do
When it comes to head injuries, the things you shouldn't do may be even more important than what you should do. If you are present at the moment of the injury, the most important thing you can do is immobilize the person as soon as possible. This means no shaking, picking up or moving a person who seems to have injured his head or neck, particularly if the person is unconscious. If he is unconscious, call 911 before you do anything else. As tempted as you may be to remove a helmet or push debris away from the injury, don't do it unless you think the person is in further danger.
2. Keep a Close Watch
Most head injuries require no treatment at all, so they can simply be observed to ensure that no serious symptoms develop later. If the patient is feeling fine and experiencing no vomiting, serious bleeding or acute pain, rest--and maybe the application of ice on the injury site--may be enough to treat the damage. If symptoms develop, most doctors will recommend no home treatment at all. Instead, seek medical care right away. This is especially important if the person loses consciousness, vomits or becomes erratic or disoriented.
3. Leave the Treatment to the Professionals
If an injury is severe enough to cause vomiting, loss of consciousness or drowsiness, a doctor will usually order the patient to stay overnight at the hospital for closer observation. Depending on what is established there, treatment will vary from cleaning of the wound and bed rest to surgery. In extreme cases, a special incision may be made into the skull to relieve intracranial pressure and prevent internal bleeding and seizures. Antibiotics, anti-seizure medication and other drugs may be used to alleviate symptoms and speed up recovery.
