Head Injury (Children)

This is in addition to any specific advice given to you by the ambulance crew you saw today

The child should

• Take simple painkillers if required for mild headache, such as Paracetamol (dose appropriate to the child's age).
• Eat only light meals for one or two days.
• Avoid too much excitement, and not have too many visitors when they return home.
• Avoid contact sports (parents should also discourage too much 'rough and tumble' play for the next few days).
• Avoid prolonged periods on computer games or completers / tablets, as concentrating on moving objects can make symptoms worsen.
• Not return to normal school, or college until symptoms have fully resolved.

If the child has any of the following you should call an ambulance immediately on 999

• Become unusually or increasingly sleepy.
• Complain of headaches which become more severe or, in the case of a young baby, if they cry persistently.
• Appear unsteady when walking.
• Three or more episodes of vomiting (each episode should be separated by 30 minutes).
• Has a fit or seizure like activity.
• Develop a squint or blurred vision or starts seeing double.
• Loss or change in hearing.
• Clear fluid or blood coming out of the ears or nose.
• Become unconscious

Concussion

Is a temporary brain injury caused by jarring the brain or causing trauma to the body which causes jarring of the head.

Look out for the four R’s for concussion

• Recognise signs and symptoms as above.
• Remove from sports or risk of contact.
• Rest for at least 24hrs.
• Return after 14 days rest.

Most symptoms after a minor head injury should resolve within 1 to 2 weeks, if symptoms continue past 2 weeks – in the first instance contact your GP or 111 for further advice.

Patient advice leaflet: Reviewed June 2023