HEAD INJURY

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR HEAD INJURY

Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If

A seizure (convulsion) occurred.
Knocked unconscious for more than 1 minute.
Not moving neck normally (caution: protect the neck from any movement).
Difficult to awaken.
Confused thinking, slurred speech, unsteady walking OR weakness of arms present now.
Major bleeding that can't be stopped.

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

You think your child has a serious injury.
Age less than 1 year old.
Neck pain.
Knocked unconscious for less than 1 minute.
Had confused thinking, slurred speech, unsteady walking OR weakness of arms BUT fine now.
Blurred vision persists for more than 5 minutes.
Skin is split open or gaping and may need stitches.
Bleeding that won't stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure.
Large swelling (larger than 1 inch or 2.5 cm).
Large dent in skull.
Injury caused by high speed (e.g. auto accident), great height (e.g. twice the child's height) or blow from hard object (eg. golf club).
Vomited 2 or more times since injury.
Watery fluid dripping from the nose or ear while child not crying.
Severe headache or crying.
Can't remember what happened.

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

You think your child needs to be seen.
Headache persists for more than 3 days.

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

You have other questions or concerns.

Parent Care at Home If

Minor head injury and you don't think your child needs to be seen

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

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