Display Patient Information Leaflets

Dear Patient

You have been given this leaflet because you are recovering from a minor traumatic brain injury (MTBI).

The leaflet provides information on:

• What is a minor traumatic brain injury
• What to expect after you have been discharged from the Emergency Department (ED)
• Symptoms that you are likely to experience while recovering from the MTBI 

Research has shown that if people recovering from MTBI know what to expect, they feel better and recover faster.

What is a minor traumatic brain injury?

A traumatic brain injury can occur for many reasons, for example, following a fall, an assault, sports injury or a road traffic accident. An injury to the brain can occur even when there is no direct blow to the head.

A minor traumatic brain injury (MTBI) can occur without loss of consciousness or physical signs of a head injury. In most cases of MTBI a head injury does not always lead to any form of brain injury.

• MTBI is caused by rapid acceleration and deceleration of the brain as it moves within the skull either from blunt force or sudden change of direction.
• This can cause bruising and a temporary disruption to the functioning of the brain. As a consequence, the brain may not work as efficiently for a while.
• Around 50% of people that have a MTBI experience some symptoms. However, you should not be concerned as this is perfectly normal.

You have attended the Emergency Department (ED), and your doctor or nurse are happy for you to go home. What are the next steps?

You will receive two phone calls from one of the Clinical Team members to check up on you:

• The first call will be on the next day after you have been discharged from the ED,
• The second call will be between Day 5 and Day 7 after you have been discharged from the ED.

Please do ensure you stay within easy reach of a telephone and medical help. 

Please do not stay at home alone for the first 48 hours after leaving hospital. 

If you develop any of the following symptoms, you must return to your local Emergency Department or call 999:

• Loss of consciousness
• Drowsiness when you would normally be awake
• Unable to be woken from sleep
• New deafness in one or both ears
• Clear fluid coming out of nose or ears or at the back of your throat accompanied by a salty taste
• Bleeding from one or both ears
• Weakness or numbness
• Dizziness or a lack of co-ordination
• Vomiting (being sick)
• Increasing disorientation
• Problems speaking or understanding what others are saying
• Persistent blurred or double vision
• Severe headaches that still persist after taking pain killers
• Neck stiffness
• If you experience fits (collapsing, passing out suddenly, epileptic seizures)

Symptoms you are likely to experience during your recovery from an MTBI:

• Mild headache
• Dizziness
• Feeling sick (without vomiting)
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to noise
• Sleep disturbance
• Fatigue and needing to sleep more
• Irritability
• Confusion
• Restlessness
• Impulsivity and self-control problems
• Feeling depressed, tearful or anxious
• Difficulties with concentration
• Memory problems
• Difficulties thinking, planning and problem solving

How long will symptoms last?

Most people should fully recover from an MTBI within two to three months, because any damage caused to the brain is minor. This recovery is helped by ensuring you get enough rest and resume your normal activities gradually. Until you feel you have fully recovered it is important to avoid driving, and also to avoid alcohol.

If your symptoms do not go away after two weeks, please contact your GP.

Supporting your recovery: do’s and do nots

Do:

• Remember that symptoms are a normal part of the recovery process
• Slow down and let your brain heal
• Have plenty of rest
• Avoid stress where possible
• Resume your daily activity in a gradual way
• Stay well hydrated and take simple pain killers such as paracetamol
• Avoid reading small text or screens such as computers, phones or TV, concentrating on these can make your symptoms worse
• Notify DVLA about your injury

Do Not:

• Push yourself too hard
• “Power on”
• Do too much too soon
• Become overwhelmed
• Take any alcohol or drugs
• Take sleeping pills, sedatives or tranquilisers unless they are given by a doctor
• Play any contact sport (e.g. football or rugby) for at least 3 weeks
• Drive a car, motorbike or bicycle or operate machinery until you are fully recovered