After a head injury, a clear account of what happened helps the clinician understand your situation. If you are helping someone else, your observations may also be useful.
Recognise when help is urgent
Seek emergency medical care if someone cannot stay awake, has a seizure, develops new weakness, or has difficulty speaking or walking after a head injury. Vomiting or taking blood-thinning medication also warrants urgent medical advice. Do not wait for a routine appointment when urgent symptoms are present.
Describe the incident clearly
Explain when and how the injury happened. Mention whether anyone witnessed it, whether you lost consciousness, and what symptoms appeared afterwards. A companion can help describe changes you may not remember. Avoid guessing: say when a detail is uncertain.
Bring the information you already have
For a planned follow-up, take your discharge notes, any available scan reports, and a current medicine list. Make a short list of the concerns you want to discuss. It is useful to explain how you are managing ordinary activities and whether your symptoms have changed since you were last assessed.
Leave with a clear follow-up plan
Ask which symptoms should prompt urgent reassessment and who to contact if you are unsure. Ask for individual advice on returning to work, driving, exercise and sport. Recovery advice should follow the clinician's assessment, rather than a timetable from social media.
For routine follow-up enquiries, call 035 492 0070 or email admin@neurosurg.co.za. Book your appointment today. We're here to help.
This article is general information. It is not a substitute for urgent assessment or personalised medical advice.
