Ask Dr Mel: Head injuries and polypills

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Every week we bring you expert advice from Woman's Weekly's health expert Dr Melanie Wynne-Jones, a GP from Stockport with 26 years' experience. This week she answers questions on head injuries and polypills.

Q What should you look for if someone bangs their head?

A Most of us have given our heads a good crack at some time, but our brains are usually protected by our skulls. A bang on the head can shake us up, so looking pale and feeling a dazed is common. Just sit quietly for a while, using a cold compress to reduce scalp bruising.

If someone has been knocked out, however briefly, always seek medical advice - remember, it may not be safe to move them if they've also injured their neck or back. And as head injuries can be the result of other medical problems, such as dizziness caused by fainting or low blood pressure, they should also have a check-up.

Bleeding and blood clots inside the head after a head injury are rare, and may not show any symptoms until later on. So, double vision, nausea or vomiting, drowsiness or a persistent headache, even some time after the original injury, need an immediate medical check-up.

Q I know the polypill isn't available for heart problems yet, but can I take any of the ingredients now without needing a prescription?

A There are several polypills, containing a number of already-used drugs. The Polycap contains low doses of aspirin and the cholesterol-lowering drug, simvastatin, and three drugs commonly used to treat high blood pressure - atenolol (a beta-blocker), thiazide (a diuretic or water pill), and ramipril (an ACE inhibitor).

Only aspirin and simvastatin can be bought without a prescription in the UK. However, they can both have side effects (eg, internal bleeding or muscle pains).

Although popping a pill sounds easy, a healthy lifestyle may be more important. Not smoking, eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight and drinking alcohol in moderation also make a difference. Discuss your personal risk with your GP or practice nurse before taking any medicines, even those you can buy without prescription.

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Advice given here is for general information only and is correct on date of publication. Please seek help from your own GP if you have a medical problem.

By Dr Melanie Wynne-Jones

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