When should someone with signs of a head injury be transported to a medical facility?

Transporting someone with signs of a head injury to a medical facility is critical, especially when they exhibit confusion or severe headache. Confusion can indicate possible brain damage or concussion and may signify bleeding or swelling in the brain. A severe headache, especially if it is sudden or worsening, can also signal serious conditions like a subdural or epidural hematoma.

Recognition of these symptoms is vital in determining the severity of the injury and the need for professional medical assessment and treatment. Immediate transport ensures that the individual receives the care necessary to prevent further complications. In addition to these signs, any evidence of altered mental state, such as disorientation or comprehension issues, reinforces the need for urgent care.

While loss of consciousness, memory loss, and nausea can also be concerning, they are not as indicative of an immediate need for transport as confusion and severe headache are, which point more directly to potential critical brain injuries.