![]() ![]() If your child does well through the observation period, there should be no long-lasting problems. Q: Will my child have any permanent damage from a minor head injury? Seems to have abnormal movements or seizures or any behaviors that worry you Has a hard time walking, talking, or seeingīecomes more and more drowsy, or is hard to wake up Call your child's doctor or return to the hospital if your child experiences any of the following: Your child's doctor also may talk with a specialist or admit your child to the hospital for closer observation. What if my child gets worse while being observed at home? Your child's doctor will let you know if your child can eat and drink as usual. Do not give pain medication, except for acetaminophen, unless your child's doctor says it is okay. If medicine is prescribed, follow the directions carefully. These check-ins are to make sure they can move normally, wake enough to recognize you, and respond to you. However, your child's doctor may recommend that you check your child every 2 to 3 hours. It is okay for your child to go to sleep. Your child may need to be watched carefully for a few days because there could be a delay in signs of a more serious injury. You or another responsible adult should stay with your child for the first 24 hours and be ready to take your child back to the doctor's office or hospital if there is a problem. What should I do if my child needs to be observed at home? Q: What happens if the CT scan or head x-ray shows a problem?Ī: More tests will probably be needed, and your child's doctor may want a head injury specialist to examine your child. ![]() They can even show very minor injuries that may not need treatment. CT scans can show brain injury and may be helpful in deciding the seriousness of the injury. Q: What is the difference between a head x-ray and CT scan?Ī: Head X-rays can show fractures (bone breaks) of the skull, but do not show if there is a brain injury. A CT scan is available at almost every hospital. Q: What kinds of tests may be needed? Where are they done?Ī: A CT ( computed tomography) scan is a special type of x-ray that gives a view of the brain and the skull. If you take your child home and their condition changes, call your child's doctor right away because more care may be needed. Your child's doctor will let you know if this can be done at home or in the hospital. If the test results are normal, you will need to watch your child closely for a time. Special tests may need to be done as soon as possible to find out how serious the injury is. If your child loses consciousness, call 911. Unusual paleness that lasts for more than an hour Unequal size of the pupils (the dark center part of the eyes) Oozing blood or watery fluid from the nose or earsĭifficulty waking up or excessive sleepiness The following are signs of a more serious injury:Ī constant headache, particularly one that gets worseĭizziness that does not go away or happens repeatedlyĮxtreme irritability or other abnormal behavior You may need to bring your child to the doctor's office or directly to the hospital. If there are any changes in your child's condition, call your child's doctor right away. What if there are changes in my child's condition? You may need to apply a cold compress for 20 minutes to help the swelling go down and then watch your child closely for a time. Your child may cry from pain or fright, but this should last no longer than 10 minutes. If your child is alert and responds to you, the head injury is mild and usually no tests or X-rays are needed. Your child's doctor will want to know when and how the injury happened and how your child is feeling. What should I do if my child has a head injury but does not lose consciousness?įor anything more than a light bump on the head, you should call your child's doctor. ![]() Have difficulties or delays in their developmentĬhildren with these conditions may have more serious problems after a mild head injury. The information in this article is not intended for children who:Īlready have nervous system problems, such as seizures or movement disorders Have no cuts on the head or face (this is called a closed head injury) The information in this article is intended for children who: Read on to learn more about the difference between a head injury that needs only a comforting hug and one that requires immediate medical attention. In very rare cases, problems can occur after a minor bump on the head. While these injuries can be upsetting, most head injuries are minor and do not cause serious problems. Almost all children bump their heads every now and then. ![]()
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