Common Illnesses & Injuries

Head Injuries (Minor)

Overview

Injuries to the head may look serious because the large number of blood vessels in the scalp can produce big bumps and/or lots of bleeding from even small cuts. However, most head injuries to children are minor. On the other hand, complications sometimes occur after a child receives a small bump on the head. The following information can help you decide when to seek medical attention.

Call 911 IMMEDIATELY if your child has had a head injury and:

Has a seizure
Stops responding to you, passes out and/or can't be wakened
Has trouble breathing or breathes funny

GO TO YOUR DOCTOR OR LOCAL EMERGENCY ROOM IMMEDIATELY if your child has had a head injury and one or more of the symptoms listed below. These are signs of a more serious injury, and once they show up, your child may get worse very quickly, so DO NOT WAIT if your child:

Is too young to tell you how he feels
Has nervous system problems, such as seizures or movement disorders, delays in his development or bleeding disorders. Children with these kinds of problems are much more likely to have serious problems after even a mild head injury.
Is sleepy or has trouble waking up
Has problems talking or slurred speech
Feels dizzy
Has trouble seeing
Is extremely irritable or acts or moves strangely
Vomits more than two times
Is clumsy or has difficulty walking
Oozes blood or watery fluid from the nose or ears
Has pupils of unequal size (the dark center part of the eyes)
You think that someone may have shaken or otherwise hurt your child

It's okay to watch and wait if your child has a head injury and:

Was healthy beforehand
Acts and feels all right afterward
Has no cuts that need stitches
Has no other injuries
Does not cry from pain or fright for more than 10 minutes after being injured

If your child does well in the first few days after the injury, there will probably be no long-lasting problems. Most head injuries are mild. However, be sure to talk with your doctor about any concerns or questions you might have.

First aid for minor head injuries

Apply a cold compress to the bump to keep the swelling and bruising down, and watch your child closely.
If your child has a scrape, first clean it with soap and water, and, if it seems to need it, put a dressing/bandage on it. Remember: wash your hands before you clean the scrape.
If your child has a cut that you think may need stitches, you should have it checked by a doctor. To help you decide, click on First-Aid for Cuts and Scrapes.

If your child's head injury is serious

Your doctor will order tests: the two most common are CT scans and head X-rays.

Head X-rays can show if the skull is broken, but aren't very accurate for showing injury to the brain.
CT scans can show even very minor injuries, and help determine how serious the injury is.

Not all head injuries need treatment, so your doctor may let your child go home. See our Head Injury Home Care sheet for more information.

If the CT scan or head X-ray shows a problem

Your child's doctor may admit your child to the hospital for observation.
More tests may be needed.
Your child's doctor may decide to call in a specialist, such as a neurologist.