When should I go to the ER for head injuries?

Most bumps to the head never need imaging, but a head injury is the kind of situation where waiting to “see how it goes” can be risky. The decision comes down to how the injury happened, who was hurt, and what symptoms follow. Use the scenarios below to decide where to go.

Go to the ER (or Call 911) Right Away If

• There was any loss of consciousness, however brief
• The headache is severe or getting steadily worse
• There is repeated vomiting
• The person is confused, hard to wake, slurring words, or acting abnormally
• There was a seizure
• The pupils are unequal, or there is new weakness, numbness, or loss of coordination
• Clear or bloody fluid is draining from the nose or ears
• The injury involved a fall from height, a vehicle crash, or a hard high-speed impact
• The person takes blood thinners or has a bleeding disorder — even a minor knock can cause delayed bleeding and deserves an evaluation
• The injured person is an infant, a young child, or over 65

Call 911 rather than driving if the person is unconscious, seizing, or cannot be safely moved.

When Telemedicine, Urgent Care, or Your PCP Is Reasonable

For a minor head bump — no loss of consciousness, no warning signs, and a fully alert person — home observation is often enough. In these lower-risk situations, telemedicine or a call to your primary care doctor can help you decide whether monitoring at home is appropriate and what to watch for. A scalp cut without concussion signs can often be handled at urgent care. If you are unsure, our team can talk through your symptoms; call (713) 660-0001.

What to Watch for at Home

If you are observing a minor injury at home, check on the person periodically for the first 24-48 hours, including waking them once or twice overnight if the injury was significant. Head to the ER if any new symptom appears — worsening headache, repeated vomiting, confusion, drowsiness, or weakness. When in doubt, get it checked; a CT scan is the only way to rule out bleeding inside the skull.

Why Choose the ER for a Concerning Head Injury

Bellaire ER has an on-site CT scanner, X-ray, and full lab staffed by board-certified emergency physicians, so imaging and results happen within a single visit — no waiting for an outside referral. We are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

For a complete guide, see our head injuries page. Walk in anytime at 5302 Bellaire Blvd, or call (713) 660-0001 for guidance.