A head injury is considered common and can occur in both children and adults. A minor bump to the head among children playing rough can occur but sometimes, a bump to the head can lead to a serious injury.
Initial 48 hours
If a child sustained a head injury, you have to consult a doctor or bring the child to the nearest emergency department if any of these symptoms manifest within the first 48 hours:
- Excessive drowsiness
- Persistent vomiting
- Severe dizziness
- Worsening headache
- Unsteady gait while walking
- Slurred speech
A minor bump on the head can cause the formation of large bruises and soft swellings. - Increased confusion, agitation and restlessness
- Seizures or convulsions
Indications of a head injury
The indications of a head injury tend to vary from one individual to another. It is important to be well aware of the typical signs and symptoms after sustaining a bump on the head. If any of these are present, a doctor should be consulted right away.
Minor injury
- Child does not loses consciousness
- Interactive and alert as usual
- Vomited only once
- Cuts or bruising to the head
Moderate injury
- Vomited 2 or more times
- Headache
- Loses consciousness for less than 30 seconds
- Alert and reacts to normal commands
- Transitory fit may occur right after the initial injury
- May have a large lump, bruise or cut on the head
Severe injury
- Unequal pupil size
- Arm and leg weakness
- Drowsiness and does not responds to commands as usual
- Experiences a second convulsion or fit
- Loses consciousness for more than 30 seconds
What to do for bruises from a head injury?
A minor bump on the head can cause the formation of large bruises and soft swellings. This occurs since the scalp has a rich supply of blood and the bone is right below the skin. It simply means that there is no padding to absorb the impact.
Oftentimes, the severity of the bruise can be controlled by applying an ice pack on the area of swelling. Just make sure that you will cover the ice with a damp cloth before applying.
The swelling of the area is expected to go down quickly which leaves behind a discolored bruise and a small area of pain. In case the swelling lingers, it is best to consult a doctor.
Follow-up care
There are certain issues that are difficult to detect initially but can later on manifest after sustaining a minor head injury. After a few weeks, you have to watch out for the following symptoms:
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Concentration problems
- Behavioral changes