Tomorrow is World Head Injury Awareness Day (20 March). Campus Health Service shares guidance on when a head injury may need urgent medical attention. Knowing when to act can make all the difference.

Seek emergency care if:

Call ER24 (number on the back of your student card) or go to the nearest emergency department if the injury involved high force such as a car accident, a fall from a height or if any of the following symptoms are present:

• Loss of consciousness, even briefly
• Confusion (not knowing the time, place, or person)
• Fits or seizures
• Weakness, numbness, or inability to move arms or legs
• Double vision or persistent blurred vision
• Repeated vomiting
• Increasing drowsiness, agitation, or unusual behaviour
• Severe or worsening neck pain
• A visible dent or deformity in the skull
• The injured person is under five years old

If you are unsure, it is always safest to seek emergency care.

If none of the above symptoms are present:

• Book an appointment with a doctor familiar with concussion the following day
• Rest and allow your body time to recover
• Avoid alcohol and intense physical activity
• Limit screen time (phones, laptops, gaming)
• If stable and symptom-free, there is no need to wake the person repeatedly during the night

If symptoms worsen at any stage, seek urgent medical care.

What Campus Health Service offers

Stellenbosch University’s Campus Health Service (CHS) is equipped to support both students and staff:

• Specialist Sports and Exercise Medicine doctors, including a consultant affiliated with Sports Concussion South Africa
• All CHS doctors are trained in concussion management
• Clinical nurse practitioners are available to assess and guide those who may not be able to afford a doctor’s consultation

When making a booking, please inform reception that you are concerned about a concussion. You will first be assessed by a clinical nurse practitioner and referred to a doctor if needed.

Stellenbosch Clinic: 021 808 3496 / 3494
Tygerberg Clinic: 021 938 9095
Email: [email protected]

If the injury occurred at work, please report it to your line manager. Remember to bring your ID to your appointment.