Head Injuries

Call the pediatrician immediately if a child has an injury to the head and any of the following signs:

• excessive drowsiness or behavior change (confused or disoriented).
• vomiting more than two times following the injury.
• one pupil appears larger than the other, though they are normally equal.
• limited use of an arm or leg or difficulty walking.
• slurred speech or unable to talk.
• severe headache that gets worse.
• double vision.
• convulsion or seizure.

Following a head injury, you should check your child for a response every three hours during the night or at nap time. Do this for the first 24 hours to check for any of the above signs. If the child loses consciousness, call 911.

Forehead Bumps & Bruises

Mild trauma from a bump or fall can cause an immediate lump – a raised reddened area usually one to three inches across. Put ice on the area as soon as possible. This not only comforts the child but also helps prevent the bruise that can follow. Children’s acetaminophen can help relieve the pain. Check the child for the same signs listed above for head injuries. If the bump is still there after five days, call the pediatrician’s office to be seen right away.