Head Injuries

These are common during childhood and rarely severe. Observe your child closely over the ensuing 24-48 hours for:

• Persistent vomiting
• Excessive drowsiness, not responsive to typical arousal
• Visual disturbance, unequal pupils
• Slurred speech
• Excessive headaches or persistent headache

If the skin is split open or gaping, the child needs to be evaluated for possible stitches. For areas of swelling, apply ice for 20 minutes or as tolerated. Big lumps on the scalp after a head injury are common. If the child has lost consciousness at any point then he needs to be evaluated in the office or emergency room.