FROM a fall in the playground to a nasty bump on the edge of a coffee table – most children suffer a bang to the head at some point.
While many are pretty harmless, there are some scenarios that require urgent medical attention, an expert warns.
GettyNot all bumps are equal, and in some cases can be deadly if not taken seriously[/caption]
Paediatric nurse Justine has shared some handy tips on when a head injury is mild and can be managed at home, and the red flags which suggest it’s something more serious.
In a video, posted to Instagram, she said: “The good thing to know is most head injuries are really mild.”
If a youngster cries “straight away” this is usually a good sign, the expert said.
They might also have a mild headache which goes away fairly quickly, but should return back to playing shortly afterwards, she added.
You can help your little one recover more quickly by putting an ice pack on their head, which will help with swelling and pain.
But not all bumps are equal, and in some cases, they can be deadly if not taken seriously.
“If you child has any of these symptoms call [999] straight away,” Justine said.
Loss of consciousness (even for a few seconds)Fall form a significant height Persistent vomiting Headache that does not go away Blood or liquids coming from mouth or ears Pale Floppy Really tired Changes to their speech Memory issues Are inconsolable AgitatedAggressive Unsteady on their feet
“You need to be on alert for these signs both directly after and up to 45 hours after the bash,” she said.
“Please seek medical attention if they occur.”
How to prevent head injuries
Making your home totally safe is impossible.
But there are some things you can do to make head injuries a little less likely, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
If possible, install window guards to keep young children from falling out of open windows.
Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs when young children are around.
And if you have an outdoor playground in your garden, make sure it has something soft underneath it – like sand.
How serious are head injuries?
MOST head injuries won’t be that serious, according to the NHS.
But it’s important to get medical help if you or your child have any symptoms after a head injury.
This indicates you might have concussion that can last several weeks.
A severe head injury can result in pressure being placed on the brain because of bleeding, blood clots or a build-up of fluid.
This can sometimes lead to brain damage, which can be temporary or permanent.
Around 1 in every 2,000 people who attend an A&E department with a head injury dies as a result of their injury.
You should also go to A&E if you think someone has been injured intentionally.
Source: NHS