Minor Head Injury: How to Care for Your Child

Most childhood falls or blows to the head cause only minor injuries to the scalp. The scalp has many blood vessels that can bleed when damaged, often making the injury look serious. If the skin isn't cut, the blood will make a swelling or bruise (a "goose egg"). It may take days or weeks to go away. Lasting problems from minor head injuries in young children are rare. You should watch your child closely for 24 hours to check for any new symptoms.

• If your child will allow, put an ice pack or instant cold pack (wrapped in a washcloth or sock) on the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes every 3 to 4 hours while your child is awake for the next day or two.

• Offer clear liquids, ice pops, or gelatin if your child has vomited. Slowly give more foods until your child is eating a regular diet.

• For pain:

  • You can give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol® or a store brand) for pain if your health care provider says it's OK. Do not give ibuprofen (such as Advil® and Motrin®) unless the health care provider tells you it's OK.

• Allow your child to sleep. There's no need to keep a child awake after a minor head injury. After some types of head injuries, health care providers will advise checking children during sleep. Look to see that your child's breathing and skin color look normal. Touch your child to see that he or she responds in the usual way.

• If your child has a head wound, follow the instructions for washing your child's hair and/or changing the bandages.

Your child:

• won't stop crying

• becomes very sleepy

• becomes restless or seems confused

• seems to have head or neck pain

• isn't moving the neck normally

• vomits

Your child:

• vomits more than once

• is speaking abnormally

• is speaking less clearly than usual

• is stumbling or not walking normally

If your child is hard to wake up, passes out, or has a seizure, call 911.

Is vomiting after a head injury serious? After a head injury, young children can vomit (throw up), feel sick to the stomach, or have dizziness. These symptoms do not last long. Vomiting once after a head injury usually is not serious. If a child vomits more than once, call your health care provider for advice.

Do children with a minor head injury need X-rays or a CT scan? No, most children with a minor head injury don't need X-rays or CT scans. The health care provider examined your child carefully and didn't find any cause for concern.