Need a refresher! (about head injuries)

[MadisonsMomRN, BSN, RN]

Here is the scenario... a guy was jumped. He had multiple abrasions, lacerations, contusions, and a closed head injury without LOC. He came to us from the ER. They did CT scans of the spine, head and maxillofacial. All were WNL. His face is completely swollen including his eyes that are swollen shut. I read the discharge summary from the hospital and apparently he was doing well when he left. Apart from the swelling he had no complaints other than nausea (treated with 4mg of Zofran). Some pain and they gave him dilaudid. He came to us and he's been vomiting for HOURS (going on 12 hours). With every single movement it seems like. When central booking brought him to us he had an unsteady gait and had to have a basin at all times. He is ok as long as he's laying down and still. I wanted to assess him and as soon as he sat up he was vomiting. His stomach doesn't hurt and he really doesnt have too many complaints other than the v* with movement.

The doctor was called because he has been vomiting so much and he said to send him back to re-evaluate. Well, he came back 6 hours later with orders for a clear liquid diet for 24 hours. His CT scan was unremarkable. No fx nothing.

I know head injured patients vomit... but this much and with movement? I haven't been around head injuries so I don't really know. He was not vomiting prior the incident. I doubt this would be viral.

How long is this to be expected??