Steps to help with headaches and head injuries

With these quick tips, you could aid someone with head troubles, from migraines to something more severe.

In a common tension headache, pressure is felt on both sides of the head, sometimes with sensitivity to light and noise. Here's what to do to bring relief, without necessarily having to take a pill.

• Drink water. A lot of headaches are caused by dehydration.
• Take a hot shower, letting the water play on your neck and lower back to help relax. Tense muscles may be causing the headache.
• Apply a warm face cloth to the forehead or neck.
• Put a few drops of lavender oil on a handkerchief and sniff it to relax you. Or try rubbing peppermint oil into your neck – it'll energize you and help to relieve congestion.
• Try a drink of coffee, tea or cola. Caffeine will constrict your blood vessels, which can relieve an aching head and provide a helpful pick-me-up.
• As a last resort, take a painkiller, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but beware overuse of medications and always stick to the stated dose.

Severe head injuries, especially when someone's knocked unconscious, need immediate medical attention. A minor bump, though it may cause mild swelling, bruising, nausea, headache and dizziness, is unlikely to do long-term damage. Here's what to do:

• Sit the casualty down and give reassurance.
• If there's a swelling at the site, apply an ice pack.
• Bleeding from a scalp wound can be heavy. Place a sterile pad over it and apply gentle pressure for a couple of minutes to staunch the flow.
• Secure any pads with a bandage wrapped around the head.
• Avoid excitement and offer acetaminophen as a painkiller (not aspirin or ibuprofen, which can increase the risk of bleeding within the skull).
• If the person must eat, keep meals light.

Keep an eye on the patient for 48 hours for signs of more serious injury. If any of the following occur, seek medical attention:

• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness
• Difficulty in writing or understanding
• Loss of consciousness, seizure
• Double vision, unequal pupils
• Loss of balance
• Weakness
• Clear or bloody fluid leaking from nose or ear
• Severe headache or stiff neck
• Unusual behaviour

• If you're in any doubt following a head injury, seek medical advice.
• If a child vomits or seems drowsy after a bang on the head, take them to hospital to be checked.
• Stay off work and rest until you have completely recovered. Don't drive or operate machinery.

Headaches and head injuries can vary from mild to life-threatening. Knowing the difference, and when to call the professionals, is key to getting the right treatment.