County

General
Hospital
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Warning Discharge Instructions
Patient Name:
Date:

We have found no evidence to indicate that your head injury was serious.
However, new symptoms and unexpected complications can develop hours
or even days after the injury. The first 24 hours are the most crucial and
you should remain with a reliable companion at least during this period.
If any of the following signs develop, call your doctor or come back to the
hospital.
1 Inappropriate drowsiness or increasing difficulty in awakening patient
(awaken every 2 hours during period of sleep)
2 Nausea or vomiting
3 Convulsions or fits
4 Bleeding or watery drainage from the nose or ear
5 Severe headaches
6 Weakness or loss of feeling in the arm or leg
7 Confusion or strange behavior
8 One pupil (black part of eye) much larger than the other; peculiar
movements of the eyes, double vision, or other visual disturbances
9 A very slow or very rapid pulse, or an unusual breathing pattern.

If there is swelling at the site of the injury, apply an ice pack, making sure
that there is a cloth or towel between the ice pack and the skin. If
swelling increases markedly in spite of the ice pack application, call us or
come back to the hospital.

You may eat or drink as usual if you so desire. However, you should NOT
drink alcoholic beverages for at least 3 days after your injury.

Do not take any sedatives or any pain relievers stronger than

acetaminophen, at least for the first 24 hours. Do not use aspirin-
containing medicines.

If you have any further questions, or in case of emergency, we can be

reached at: <telephone number>
Physician’s Signature

Advanced Trauma Life Support for Doctors

Student Course Manual, 10e
American College of Surgeons
Figure# 06.09
Dragonfly Media Group
07/11/2016