How to Handle a Head Injury

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Most childhood head injuries are minor and hurt only the outside of the head. Rarely, a serious head injury can cause bruising or bleeding in the brain. This type of head injury needs medical care right away.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a Head Injury?

Signs of a minor head injury:

minor scalp swelling
small cut on the scalp
mild headache
vomiting once or twice

Signs of a possibly serious head injury:

loss of consciousness (passing out)
unable to respond
a large cut or a cut that bleeds a lot
blood or clear fluid from the nose or ear
changes in behavior, such as agitation, confusion, or being very sleepy
trouble remembering what happened
dizziness or stumbling
seizure
vomiting more than twice or vomiting hours after the injury
severe or worsening headache

What Should I Do if My Child Has a Head Injury?

Call 911 for any sign of a serious head injury or any head injury with neck pain. Do not move an unconscious child. If your child is not breathing, do CPR, if you know how, while you wait for help. Trust your instincts. You know your child best. If you think they don’t look or seem right, call your doctor or 911.
For a minor head injury, have your child stop what they're doing and call the doctor. They will talk with you about the injury and decide if your child should be watched at home, come to the office, or go somewhere else to get checked.
If there is a cut that is bleeding, use a clean cloth to put pressure on it.
If there is a bruise or swelling, apply ice or a cold pack wrapped in a towel for 15–20 minutes. Do not put ice directly on the skin.
Let your child to sleep if they're tired. There's no need to keep them awake after a head injury. Just check your child occasionally during sleep. Make sure their breathing and skin color look normal. Follow any other instructions your doctor gives you on how best to check on your child.