Head injuries in children
It is important to watch the child closely after a head injury. If your child appears normal after 48 hours of the accident, there is almost no risk that the injury is serious. However, if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned in this article seek medical advice.
You Need To Take Action In The Following Conditions:
- Drowsiness or unconsciousness
- Vomiting
- Inability to move any part of the body
- Dizziness
- Back pain
- Convulsions
- Any problems with vision, squint, double vision, etc.
- Breathing problems
- Bleeding from the nose or ear
Concussion and Compression
Concussion occurs when the whole brain is shaken during an accident. The child becomes unconscious for a brief period and becomes normal within a few minutes. They may complain of slight headache, nausea and giddiness and have one or two bouts of vomiting. You should seek medical attention but do not become overly anxious. Concussion is not usually serious but can be a sign of compression.
Compression, on the other hand, can be more serious and should be monitored carefully under medical supervision. Compression of the brain is a build-up of pressure between the brain and skull due to bleeding. This can be serious and must be treated by professionals.
If you notice any bump on the head, it is due to external bleeding between the scalp and the skull. Apply gentle pressure with ice in a hand towel or any piece of cloth for 15 to 20 minutes. If you suspect injury to the neck, do not move your child; wait for your doctor or the ambulance to arrive and let the experts carry the child safely to the hospital. Paramedics are specially trained to move people with back and neck injuries and it is best to let them deal with your child if you suspect any spinal injury.
Hospitalization and Tests
Doctors will decide if X-rays of the skull or a brain scan are needed. In a small infant, doctors may decide to perform a test called a sonograph to obtain information about the injury.
Most cases of head injury need neither hospitalization nor any X-rays. However doctors may still suggest a short hospital stay and monitor your child closely for a couple of days.