Head Injury in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Almost all children will bump their heads, especially when they are babies or toddlers and are just learning to roll over, crawl, or walk. While these accidents may be upsetting, most head injuries in children are minor.

Although it's rare, once in a while a more serious problem shows up after the child is home. So it's good to be on the lookout for symptoms for a day or two.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

Follow instructions from your child's doctor. The doctor will tell you if you need to watch your child closely for the next 24 hours or longer.
Have your child take it easy for the next few days or more if your child is not feeling well.
Ask your doctor when it's okay for your child to go back to activities like riding a bike or playing a sport.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

Your child has a seizure.
Your child passes out (loses consciousness).
Your child is confused or hard to wake up.
Your child has a headache that gets worse and does not go away.
Your child has new vision changes or one pupil (the black part in the middle of the eye) that is larger than the other.
Your child has slurred speech, balance problems, or decreased coordination.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

Your child has new or worse vomiting.
Your child seems less alert.
Your child has new weakness or numbness in any part of the body.
Your child has new symptoms, such as headaches, trouble concentrating, or changes in mood.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

Your child does not get better as expected.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter L594 in the search box to learn more about "Head Injury in Children: Care Instructions".

Current as of: December 20, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: December 20, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.