What to do if your child hits their head
As a parent, one of the most nerve-wracking experiences is seeing your child hit their head. Whether it's a tumble from a couch, a fall while learning to walk, or a playground accident, head injuries can be alarming. Knowing what to do in such situations can help ensure your child's safety and prevent complications. March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, making it an ideal time to educate yourself about head injuries and brain health. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to respond when your child hits their head.
1. Assess the severity of the injury
The first step after your child hits their head is to evaluate the severity of the impact. Most minor bumps and falls do not result in serious injury, but it’s crucial to watch for symptoms that could indicate a more significant problem.
Mild injury signs: Brief crying, a small lump or bruise, minor dizziness, or a momentary daze.
Moderate to severe injury signs: Loss of consciousness (even briefly), persistent vomiting, confusion, difficulty walking, seizures, severe headache, or clear fluid/blood draining from the ears or nose.
If your child exhibits any of the moderate to severe signs, seek medical attention immediately.
2. Comfort and observe your child
If your child appears to have suffered only a mild injury, comfort them and keep a close watch for any developing symptoms over the next 24 hours. You can do the following:
Apply a cold compress: Use a cloth-wrapped ice pack to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
Encourage rest: While sleep is generally safe after a mild head injury, wake your child periodically (every 2–3 hours for young children) to check for unusual behavior.
Monitor for symptoms: Look out for changes in mood, coordination, balance, or speech, as these could signal a more serious problem.
1. Assess the severity of the injury
The first step after your child hits their head is to evaluate the severity of the impact. Most minor bumps and falls do not result in serious injury, but it’s crucial to watch for symptoms that could indicate a more significant problem.
Mild injury signs: Brief crying, a small lump or bruise, minor dizziness, or a momentary daze.
Moderate to severe injury signs: Loss of consciousness (even briefly), persistent vomiting, confusion, difficulty walking, seizures, severe headache, or clear fluid/blood draining from the ears or nose.
If your child exhibits any of the moderate to severe signs, seek medical attention immediately.
2. Comfort and observe your child
If your child appears to have suffered only a mild injury, comfort them and keep a close watch for any developing symptoms over the next 24 hours. You can do the following:
Apply a cold compress: Use a cloth-wrapped ice pack to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
Encourage rest: While sleep is generally safe after a mild head injury, wake your child periodically (every 2–3 hours for young children) to check for unusual behavior.
Monitor for symptoms: Look out for changes in mood, coordination, balance, or speech, as these could signal a more serious problem.
3. Know when to seek medical help
Not every head injury requires an emergency room visit, but you should contact a doctor if:
- Your child lost consciousness, even for a brief moment.
- They exhibit persistent vomiting or extreme drowsiness.
- You notice changes in their behavior, such as excessive irritability or difficulty recognizing familiar faces.
- They have trouble walking, speaking, or focusing their eyes.
- The injury was caused by a high-impact fall or object (e.g., a fall from a significant height or being struck by something heavy).
4. Preventing future head injuries
While accidents happen, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of head injuries:
Supervise young children: Always keep an eye on toddlers, especially around stairs, furniture, and playgrounds.Use protective gear: Ensure your child wears helmets when biking, skateboarding, or playing contact sports.Childproof your home: Install safety gates on stairs, use corner protectors on furniture, and secure heavy furniture to the walls.Teach safe play habits: Encourage safe play and educate older children about the risks of roughhousing or dangerous activities.
5. Follow-up and recovery
If your child has had a mild head injury but continues to have headaches, dizziness, or trouble concentrating in the following days, schedule a follow-up with their pediatrician. For more severe injuries, follow your doctor’s recommendations on rest, activity restrictions, and symptom monitoring.
Head injuries in children are common but can often be managed with careful observation and prompt action. By staying calm, assessing the injury, and seeking medical care when necessary, you can help ensure your child's health and safety. Preventive measures can also reduce the risk of head injuries in the future, allowing your child to play and explore safely.
~Article by Justin Daniels | ~Photo: Shutterstock / By patarapong saraboon