Head Injury - ER or Urgent Care?

Patients often debate if they should go to the ER or Urgent Care if they suffer a head injury. Often, the deciding factor is if they are bleeding or have any immediate after-effects. Here are several symptoms that should prompt you to go to the ER and several that mean you should visit an Urgent Walk-In Clinic in Gainesville, GA.

Loss of Consciousness

Even if you lose consciousness for a millisecond, you should have someone take you to the ER. Loss of consciousness that is the result of a head injury means you likely have a concussion and it could be very serious. Urgent Care, in this case, will only result in you being sent to the ER.

Headache

Headaches are normal for head injuries. You should expect to have one for at least a few hours after your injury. You also should visit your primary care physician or Urgent Care if they are not available. If your headache persists for more than a few hours, you should visit your local ER, but it is ok to start at Urgent Care.

Nausea / Vomiting

This can be a sign of a serious head injury. If you feel nauseous or like you will vomit, get to an ER as soon as you can. Generally, either symptom is an indicator of a serious concussion and getting emergency care is key to stabilizing you and starting you on the road to recovery.

Confusion / Discomfort

A symptom like this is also common with a head injury and a concussion. If you experience this symptom, Urgent Care is the best immediate option. If it persists you will likely be sent to the ER. If your confusion or discomfort is serious, you should start at the ER.

Bleeding / Trauma

If this happens to you, head to the ER quickly. You not only may need stitches, you also might have a severe injury that will require an overnight stay in the hospital. Even if the cut is minor, you should still seek medical attention. In this case, Urgent Care will refer you to the ER, so do not waste time and go straight there.

General Achiness

Achiness is also common after a head injury. If that is your only symptom, Urgent Care is the appropriate choice. If it persists longer than a day or two, visit your primary care physician.

Other Symptoms

Head injuries and concussions can come with a range of symptoms. Depending on the severity, you should not waste time and head to the ER or to an Urgent Walk-In Clinic in Gainesville, GA.