Head Injury in a Child: What Parents Need to Know
Head injuries are one of the most common types of injuries in little ones, and they can happen quickly, whether it’s from falling from furniture, tripping up or an unexpected bump.
As parents, knowing how to assess, manage, and respond to head injuries can help ensure your child’s safety and well-being. This blog post will cover important aspects of head injuries in children, including signs to look for, when to seek medical attention, and steps for providing first aid.
Signs of Head Injury in a Child
Head injuries can range from mild to severe, and recognising the symptoms early can make all the difference. These are seriously worrying signs of a head injury can point towards bleeding or increased pressure inside of their brain. If you notice these sign call an ambulane
1. Loss of Consciousness or reduced levels of conciousness
If your child loses consciousness, even briefly, it can be a sign of a serious injury. If your little ones loses consciousness after a fall, even if its only a few moments, they need an ambulance.
If they don’t lose consciousness but is sleepy and hard to wake, seems confused or just isn’t acting right they also need urgent medical attention.
2. Seizures
Seizures after a head injury are a serious sign that the injury has affected the brain. If your child experiences a seizure, it’s essential to seek medical help immediately.
3. Vomiting more than once
Vomiting more than once after a head injury can be a concerning symptom. It can mean your little one has swelling or bleeding in their brain.
4. a SOFT BOGGY LUMP
It’s common to have a hard ‘egg’ after a head bump, but what we worry about is a boggy lump, especially if it is over 5cm. A boggy lump feels like a very soft avocado or a ripe banana. It can mean your little one has a fracture of their skull.
4. Dizziness or Headache
Complaints of dizziness, headache, or feeling disoriented can be signs of a concussion. Children may also describe feeling "off" or unable to focus.
5. Bleeding or Clear Fluid from the Ears or Nose
Bleeding or clear fluid from the ears or nose is a worry. The clear fluid is is the fluid from around their brain and can mean there is a serious injury
6. neck pain or tingly limbs
Although not a sign of a head injury, it is still very worrying if your little one has neck pain or tingly limbs. It can be a sign of a spinal injury which is also a medical emergency. If you are worried about a spinal injury don’t move your child until the ambulance arrives (as long as it is safe to do so).
When to Take Your Child to the Doctor for a Head Injury
Thankfully most head injuries are minor and can be managed at home with proper care and observation. However, there are situations where you should head to a doctor urgently (if they don’t have any of the symptoms above).
1. a fall from over 90cm onto hard a gound
Little ones who fall from a height of over 90cm have much higher risk of a serious injury, especially if they fall onto hard ground.
2. it is a young baby
If your young baby (under 3 months) has had any sort of fall off something, such as a change table, bed or from a caregivers arm. Do take them to see a doctor urgently. Their heavy heads and delicate necks means a head injury is more likely in this age group.
3. Severe Headache or irritability
If your older kid is complaining of a headache or your younger child or baby seems really irritable and nothing you do settles them it can we a sign of brain swelling and injury after a fall.
4. abnormal sleepiness
If your child seems really sleepy and it isn’t their normal nap time this can be a worry.
5. Unequal Pupil Size
If you notice that one pupil is larger than the other it can mean there is pressure on the nerves that control their eye muscles.
6. Changes in their walking or movement
Look our for difficulty walking, balancing, or coordinating movements.
Is It Safe for a Child to Sleep After Hitting Their Head?
One of the most common worries parents have after their little one has a head bump is whether it’s safe for them to sleep. While sleep is key for recovery, do keep a close eye on your little one for the first few hours after a head injury. If your child is awake, alert and acting normal after a head bump and it is their normal sleep time (i.e. nap time or bed time) then it’s ok to let them sleep. But do keep a close eye for worrying signs when they are awake.
1. Observe for the First Few Hours
If you are worried, keep a close eye during their normal wake times. There is no need to wake them up unless they are sleeping longer then they usually do or it has been directed by a doctor.
2. Look for Warning Signs
If you notice red flag signs, take them to the doctor urgently. If you think they will loose consciousness on the way to the hospital then call an ambulance.
3. Ask a Doctor
If you’re feeling really worried but your little one doesn’t have ay signs of a head injury and you’re not sure what to do call Healthline. They will be able to assess if your little one needs help and next actions to take.
Head Injury First Aid
Knowing how to provide first aid in the event of a head injury is essential for any parent. While the severity of the injury will dictate the specific actions you need to take, here are some general first aid steps for managing a child’s head injury:
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
First, try to remain calm. Look for any red flag signs. If you’re worried they have a serious, don’t hesitate to call emergency services. Remember don’t move your little one if you think they have a spinal injury.
2. sit them down & give lots of cuddles
Your little one might feel a bit dizzy or upset after a fall. Sitting them down and giving cuddles can help them feel better. Because we all know how magical a good cuddle is.
3. got a bump? - pop an ice pack
If you notice a hard egg like bump pop on an ice pack for 10-15 mins every 3-4 hours
3. Control Bleeding
If there is bleeding from a cut or scrape, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding. If bleeding is coming from the nose or ears, try to keep your child in a seated or semi-upright position to reduce pressure.
4. pain relief
If your little one has no red flag signs but are complaining of mild pain at the site of their bump then give them some pain relief.
5. Monitor Symptoms
Even if the injury seems mild, monitor your child closely for any red flag signs that mean they might need to see a doctor urgently or call an ambulance. Remember if they become unresponsive call and ambulance and start basic life support.
6. Seek Medical Attention
If there’s any doubt about the severity of the injury, don’t hesitate to seek medical help. When it comes to head injuries symptoms are not always clear. Often a parents gut feeling something isn’t right is all you need to take action.
Take Home Message
A head injury in a child can be stressful, but knowing the signs, when to seek medical help, and how to provide first aid can help you respond quickly and correctly. While most head injuries are mild and recoverable, some can lead to more serious complications, so always trust your instincts and seek medical attention if you’re ever unsure.
As always, make sure to create a safe environment for your child, and educate yourself about first aid, as this knowledge can be a lifesaver in an emergency.
WANT TO FEEL MORE CONFIDENT RECOGNISING INJURY RED FLAGS? - Grab our free guide here
More From the Blog
