Dizziness after hitting your head: what to know

A head impact can disturb the brain's normal processing of balance, causing lightheadedness, spinning, nausea, headache, poor concentration or unusual tiredness. A blow can also affect the balance organs in the inner ear, with spinning triggered by turning in bed or moving the head. Dizziness alone cannot show how serious an injury is, and symptoms can change over time.

Arrange a clinical assessment after a significant impact, even if you did not lose consciousness. Share the mechanism of injury, timing, medications and any memory gap.

Sit or lie somewhere safe, have a trusted adult stay with you and rest from sport, screens and demanding tasks if they aggravate symptoms. Do not drive, drink alcohol or take sedating medicines unless a clinician advises it. Use simple pain relief only as directed on its label, and follow the assessment plan rather than returning to activity because you briefly feel better.

Call emergency services for increasing drowsiness, confusion, seizure, repeated vomiting, a worsening headache, weakness or numbness, slurred speech, unequal pupils, fluid or blood from the nose or ears, or loss of consciousness. Urgent assessment is also needed if dizziness becomes severe, balance is failing, or symptoms worsen after initially settling.

Ask whether you need observation or imaging, how long to pause work or sport, and which pain medicines are suitable. Mention anticoagulants, a bleeding disorder, prior head injuries, neck pain, vision changes and whether someone can monitor you at home.