Scalp Bruise with Sleep Monitoring

Home care

Sleep monitoring

Someone must stay with you for the next 24 hours, or longer, if directed. If you fall asleep, this person should wake you up every 2 hours to check for symptoms of concussion. These include:

• Headache.

• Nausea or vomiting.

• Dizziness.

• Sensitivity to light or noise.

• Abnormal sleepiness or grogginess.

• Trouble falling asleep.

• Personality changes.

• Vision changes.

• Confusion.

• Memory loss.

• Trouble walking or clumsiness.

• Loss of consciousness (even for a short time).

• Inability to be woken up.

If any of these symptoms develop at any time, get emergency medical care right away. If no concussion symptoms are noted during the first 24 hours, keep watching for symptoms for the next day or so. Ask your health care provider if someone should stay with you during this time.

General care

• If you've been prescribed pain medicines, take them as directed. Don’t take other medicines without talking with your provider first.

• Don't take NSAIDs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Don't take blood-thinner (anticoagulant) medicines, such as warfarin, unless your provider tells you to.

• To help reduce swelling and pain, apply a cold pack to the injured area for up to 20 minutes at a time, every 1 to 2 hours, or as directed. To make a cold pack, put ice cubes in a plastic bag that seals at the top. Wrap the bag in a thin towel. Never apply a cold pack or ice directly to the skin.

• For the next 24 hours or longer, if instructed:

  • Don’t drink alcohol or use sedatives or other medicines that make you sleepy.

  • Don’t drive or operate machinery.

  • Don’t do anything strenuous, such as heavy lifting or straining.

  • Limit tasks that need concentration. This includes reading, watching TV, using a smartphone or computer, and playing video games.

  • Don’t return to sports, exercise, or other activities that could result in another injury.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your provider, or as directed. If imaging tests are done, a provider will look at them. You'll be told of the results and any new findings that may affect your care.

When to contact your doctor

Contact your provider right away if:

• Your pain gets worse or can’t be relieved with medicines.

• You have new or increased swelling or bruising.

• You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your provider.

• You have redness, warmth, bleeding, or drainage from the injured area.

• There's any depression or bony abnormality in the injured area.

• You have fluid drainage or bleeding from the nose or ears.

Call 911

Call 911 right away if:

• You have a stiff neck.

• You feel weak or numb in any part of the body.

• You have seizures.