Longwood Pediatrics encourages our patient families to take an active part in their health through education and consultation. We provide the below information for your reference but it is not meant to replace a visit with your medical provider. Please contact us if you feel your child needs to be seen in the office.

Please always dial 911 in the case of a medical emergency.

Minor Head Injuries in Children

 
Almost all children bump their heads from time to time. The vast majority of these injuries are not serious and can be taken care of at home. This sheet will help you to know what to do when your child bumps his head and when to call the office.

What To Expect When Your Child Bumps His Head

A small child will cry and be upset after a bump on the head; he should calm down after a few minutes of comforting.

A large swelling may develop rapidly at the site of the bump; this is expected and is not a sign of a major problem.

A child may vomit once or twice after a bump on the head.

When To Call The Office

Please call the office or seek medical attention immediately for any of the following:

Any head injury in an infant under 4 months old

A head injury resulting from a high-force collision such as a car accident or falling from a height (for example, down a full set of stairs or off a raised surface of more than a foot or two)

A head injury followed by any of the following:

……………….loss of consciousness (i.e., “knocked out”)

……………….lethargic/sleepy/difficulty waking up

……………….vomiting more than two times

……………….severe fussiness (once the child calms down from the initial bump)

……………….slurred speech

……………….clumsiness/difficulty walking

……………….severe headache

……………….dizziness

……………….blood or water coming from nose or ears

……………….seizures

A head injury causing a cut that doesn’t stop bleeding after a few minutes of direct pressure

What To Do After a Minor Head Injury

If there is a lump at the site of the injury, try to put ice or a cold compress on the swelling immediately for 20 minutes and again a few times over the first 24 hours after the injury (using a bag of frozen vegetables or a washcloth soaked in ice water often works well for small children); if there is a cut, apply direct pressure for 10 minutes or so.

Make sure a responsible adult is with your child for 24 hours after a head injury to monitor for any of the symptoms mentioned above.

On the first night after the head injury, wake your child once or twice during the night; make sure you can arouse her and get her to respond to you in a usual fashion. If your child cannot be aroused or does not act normally when awakened, please call the office immediately or seek medical attention.