Safety First

Head Injuries

Children often bump or bang their heads, and it can be difficult to tell whether an injury is serious or not. Any knock to the head is considered a head injury.

Head injuries are classified as mild, moderate or severe. Mild head injuries are the most common and usually result in a small lump or bruise and can be managed at home. If your child has received a moderate or severe injury to the head, they need to see a doctor.

Signs and symptoms of moderate and severe head injuries: 

If your child has a moderate or severe head injury, they may:

• lose consciousness (pass out)
• be drowsy and not respond to your voice
• be dazed or shocked
• not cry straight after the knock to the head (younger children)
• be confused, have memory loss or loss of orientation about place, time or the people around them
• eye problems (blurred vision)
• have unequally sized pupils or weakness in their arm or leg
• have something stuck in their head, or a cut causing bleeding that is difficult to stop, or a large bump or bruise on their head
• have a seizure, convulsion or fit
• vomit more than once

Call 000 if your child presents with any of the above symptoms

keep in mind that these symptoms can present up to 24-48 hours post injury.

Signs and symptoms of a mild head injury:

A mild head injury or concussion is when your child:

• may display altered level of consciousness at the time of the injury
• is now alert and interacts with you
• may have vomited, but only once
• may have bruises or cuts on their head
• is otherwise normal.
  
   

You should seek medical advice if your child has any of the above symptoms of mild head injury, and you are worried about them. Otherwise, continue to observe your child for any of the signs and symptoms and continue to care for them at home.