Head Injury: Brief Version

What is a head injury?

Most head injuries hurt only the scalp, not the brain. Your child might have a big lump even if it was a minor injury because there is a large blood supply to the scalp. For the same reason small cuts on the head may bleed a lot. Only 1% to 2% of injured children have a skull fracture. Your child has not had a concussion unless he passes out, acts very confused, or cannot remember what happened.

How can I take care of my child?

• Wound care. Call the doctor right away if the skin is split open and might need stitches. Wash any minor scrapes with soap and water. Apply pressure with a clean cloth (sterile gauze if you have it) for 10 minutes to stop any bleeding. For any small cuts, apply antibiotic ointment (OTC) twice a day until healed. For swelling, apply a cold pack or ice bag for 20 minutes. This will also reduce pain.
• Rest. Encourage your child to lie down and rest until all symptoms are gone (or for at least 2 hours). It is okay for your child to sleep. You don't have to try to keep him awake. Just have him sleep nearby so you can check on him from time to time.
• Diet. Give only clear fluids (ones you can see through) until your child has gone 2 hours without vomiting.
• Pain medicines. Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), as needed for pain relief. Wait 2 hours to be sure your child isn’t going to vomit from the head injury
• Special precautions. Watch your child closely for symptoms. Do this for 2 days and nights. After that, go back to a normal routine.

Call your child's doctor right away if:

• The skin is split open and might need stitches.
• The headache becomes severe.
• Vomiting occurs 2 or more times.
• Your child's vision becomes blurred or double.
• Your child becomes difficult to awaken or confused.
• Your child has trouble walking or talking.
• Your child's symptoms get worse in any other way.