Head injury - children under 12 years old

How should I look after my child at home after a head injury?

Any child who has had a head injury should be watched carefully, especially in the first 48 hours after the injury. Allow your child to rest.

Give your child a painkiller such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen if they have a mild headache.

Can I let my child go to sleep?

Yes, you can allow your child to go to sleep as normal after a minor head injury.

What should I look out for as concerning?

If any of the following occurs please return to the Emergency Department or see a Doctor urgently:

• your child is unusually sleepy or you cannot wake them
• your child has a headache which is becoming worse or won’t go away
• your child has repeated vomiting
• your child is unsteady when they walk
• your child gets a weakness in an arm or leg
• your child has problems understanding or speaking
• your child develops a squint or blurred vision
• your child has a seizure (also known as convulsions or fits)
• your child has fluid, or bleeding, coming from from their ear or nose

Or if there is anything else which is worrying you for example:

• continued crying for no obvious reason
• irritable and bad tempered
• not interested in their normal toys

Will my child have any long term problems?

Most children recover quickly from their head injury and experience no long-term problems.

A few children sometimes feel unwell over the first few days after a head injury.

It is common to have a mild headache and feel sick (without vomiting).

Occasionally children experience dizziness, are bad tempered, have problems concentrating or problems with their memory, tiredness, lack of appetite or problems sleeping.

If these problems do not go away after 2 weeks, you should see your GP.

If you have any worries at home, please do not hesitate to return to the Emergency Department or you can also contact your GP, Health Visitor or call the NHS 111 service.

Reviewed by Dr T Shaw in September 2023, next review in September 2025.

If you need this information in an alternative format, please contact the Patient Experience and Engagement Team on 01226 434922.

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