Head Injury

What you need to know about minor head injuries

Most head injuries only cause swelling on the skull and bruising.
The main symptom of a head injury is pain.
Swelling on the skull does not mean swelling of the brain. The skull and brain are separated by cranial bone, which protects the brain from injury.

Monitoring for 2 hours after injury:

Monitor the child carefully for 2 hours after injury.
Lay the child down and let them rest until symptoms subside.
Mild headache, drowsiness and nausea are the most common symptoms of a minor head injury.
Let the child sleep, but stay close to them.
Wake the child up after 2 hours. Make sure the child is awake and recognizes you, and check that they are talking adequately to you and walking normally.

Precautions for the first night after injury:

Stay in the child's bedroom.
Wake them up once during the night and check their speaking and walking.
After 24 hours, go back to your normal routine.

Tips at home within 48 hours of injury:

Do not leave the child alone
They need rest and adequate sleep
No sporting activities are allowed
Television viewing is restricted
No computer games are allowed
Don't plan trips or excursions

What to expect

The severe headache usually resolves within 24 hours
Pain at the site of impact may last up to 3 days
Local swelling may go down within one week.

Contact your doctor or emergency room if:

Headache is worse or more persistent
The child cries incessantly
The child has fainted or has had a seizure
There are 2 or more episodes of vomiting
The child is difficulty waking up
The child is in a stupor
Walking or speech is not normal
Swelling at the site of injury is increasing
You think a doctor should see the child