Children often bump their heads. Afterwards, it is normal for them to have a slight headache, feel sick for a couple of days, or be a little sleepy.
If a child sustains a head injury, you should monitor your child at home for 24 hours for any change in symptoms. Treat with:
- An ice-pack on the injury for short intervals (e.g. 10 minutes, once an hour)
- Paracetamol (following the age recommended dose on the packaging)
- Rest and avoiding rough play and sports.
If symptoms get worse or last longer than two weeks, then it’s time to ask for help. Call 111 as your first point of contact if your child has:
- Developed a persistent headache that doesn’t go away (despite being given paracetamol), or
- Developed a worsening headache.
When to attend Accident and Emergency (A&E)
The emergency department is for life-threatening symptoms. Only call 999 or go to Accident and Emergency if your child:
- Was knocked unconscious, or
- vomits repeatedly, i.e, more than twice (with at least 10 minutes between each vomit), or
- shows a significant change in behaviour, for example, restlessness or memory problems.