Head Injury
Advice for parents and carers of children.
When should you worry?
RED
If your child has any of the following in the 48 hours following their head injury:
- The head injury was high impact for example:
- A road traffic accident
- Fall from a height of more than 1 metre (more than the child’s own height, or more than 5 stairs)
- A bruise, swelling or cut more than 5cm on the head
- Vomits 3 times or more (at least 10 minutes between each vomit)
- Behaves oddly, becomes confused or unaware of their surroundings
- Loses consciousness, becomes drowsy or difficult to wake
- Has a convulsion or fit (uncontrolled jerking, twitching movements)
- Has difficulty speaking or understanding what you are saying
- Has weakness in their arms and legs or starts losing their balance
- Has new problems with their eyesight
- Has clear fluid coming out of their nose or ears
- Bruising around their eyes or behind their ears
- Does not wake for feeds, is irritable or cries constantly and cannot be soothed
- Has memory loss of events before or after the injury
- Takes blood thinners or has a bleeding or clotting disorder
You need urgent help
Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999.
AMBER
If your child has any of the following in the 48 hours following their head injury:
- Has a headache that doesn’t go away or gets worse (despite painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen)
You need to contact a doctor or nurse today
Please ring your GP surgery or contact NHS 111 - dial 111 or for children aged 5 years and above visit 111.nhs.uk
Green
If none of the above features are present:
- Is alert and interacts with you
- Vomits, but only up to twice
- Experiences mild headaches, struggles to concentrate, lacks appetite or has problems sleeping. If you are very concerned about these symptoms or they go on for more than 2 weeks, make an appointment to see your GP
- Watch them closely for any change and look out for any red or amber symptoms
- Additional advice is also available for families for help cope with crying in otherwise well babies
- If your child has a long term condition or disability and you are worried please contact your regular team or follow any plans that they have given you.
Self Care
Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, contact NHS 111 – dial 111 or for children aged 5 years and above visit 111.nhs.uk
Advice and Guidance
Self care and Prevention
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