How do I monitor my child after hitting his head?

In these cases, one reasonable strategy is to observe the child closely for four to six hours after the injury, usually in the emergency department. If the child develops any other symptoms, a CT scan could be done at that time. If no further symptoms occur, the child does not usually need a CT scan.

How do you treat a child with a head injury?

Treat Symptoms If your child is acting normally after 2 hours, give children’s-formula acetaminophen (Tylenol) to relieve pain, if needed. Do not give them aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) because they could lead to bleeding. Continue to watch your child for signs of a more serious injury for 24 hours.

How long should you monitor a child after head injury?

Watch the child carefully for 24 hours after a head injury to see whether he or she develops any signs of a serious head injury. When a head injury has occurred, look for injuries to other parts of the body. The alarm of seeing a head injury may cause you to overlook other injuries that need attention.

How to take care of a child with a head injury?

Care at home. Following a mild head injury, your child will need to get plenty of rest and sleep, particularly in the first 24 to 48 hours. Your child may have a headache after a head injury. Give them paracetamol (not ibuprofen or aspirin) every six hours if needed to relieve pain.

How long does it take for a child to recover from a head injury?

Children and adolescents with concussion can take up to four weeks to recover, but most concussions will get better on their own over several days. Following a mild head injury, your child will need to get plenty of rest and sleep, particularly in the first 24 to 48 hours. Your child may have a headache after a head injury.

When to call an ambulance for a head injury?

Key points to remember 1 Head injuries can be mild, moderate or severe. 2 Call an ambulance if your child has had head injury involving high speeds or heights, or if after a knock to the head they lose consciousness or vomit more than 3 Your child may develop a number of different symptoms in the weeks after a head injury.

How often should you apply ice to a head injury?

Apply ice on your head for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel before you apply it to your skin.