Scalp and forehead injuries are the most common head injuries children get.
When to call your health care provider
Tip
Cuts or lumps on the head are common because the scalp has a rich supply of blood.
Call your health care provider for an appointment if:
your child's skin is split wide open and may need stitches
bleeding won't stop 10 minutes after you apply direct pressure
your child is younger than 6 months old
your child can't remember the accident
your child acts in an unusual way
fluid (clear or bloody) drains from the ears or nose
your child has a seizure.
Head injuries often cause headaches. You may give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol® or Tempra®) every four hours. Follow the package directions for your child's age and weight.
Call your health care provider if the headache gets worse or lasts for more than 24 hours.
What to do after the head injury
Tip
Watch your child for at least 48 hours after the head injury.
Let your child sleep, but wake her two hours after the accident and every four hours during the night. Do this to:
talk to your child and listen for slurred or unusual speech and unusual breathing
watch your child walk for leg or arm weakness, problems walking and blurred or double vision.
