Head Injury

Minor Head Injuries

Minor head injuries can cause a large area of swelling because the blood supply to the scalp is plentiful. For the same reason, small cuts can bleed heavily. Usually, there is pain at the site of impact, but no other symptoms.

Home Care

• Wound Care: If there is a scrape, wash it off with soap and water. Then apply a sterile gauze or clean cloth for 10 minutes to stop any bleeding. For swelling, apply ice for 20 minutes.
• Rest: Encourage your child to lie down and rest until all symptoms are gone (or for at least 2 hours). It is fine to allow sleep, but keep him/her near you so you can check him/her periodically.
• Diet: Give him/her only clear fluids (ones you can see through) until he/she has gone 2 hours without vomiting.
• Medication: Do not give any pain medicine.
• Awakening: Closely observe your child for the first 48 hours in order to detect a serious complication. Awaken him/her at your bedtime and approximately 4 hours later. Awaken him/her until he is walking and talking normally. If his/her breathing becomes abnormal or his/her sleep is unusual, awaken him/her.

When to Call the Doctor

Call your doctor immediately if the injury is not minor. For example, call the doctor if:

• You suspect that your child has had a concussion (confusion, memory loss, or temporary unconsciousness).
• The headache becomes progressively worse, or if it is severe.
• Vomiting occurs 3 or more times.
• Vision becomes blurred or double, or pupils become unequal in size.
• Your child becomes difficult to awaken or is confused.
• Your child shows a marked change in personality.
• Walking or talking becomes difficult.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness occurs in arms or legs.
• Your child’s breathing pattern changes.
• Your child has a seizure.
• Your child’s condition worsens in any other way.