A Pediatrician’s Guide for Parents
Last weekend, one of my child’s classmates accidentally fell off the climbing frame during PE class and got a mild concussion. He briefly lost consciousness, and it scared all of us. I realized that many parents worry a lot when their child hits their head. Should you rush to the hospital, or is it safe to watch at home? Let’s look at what pediatricians recommend.
1. What to Check Right After the Fall
First of all — stay calm. A small bump on the head is very common in children, and most of the time, it’s not serious. Watch for these signs to decide how bad it might be:
- Loss of consciousness or vomiting
If your child faints, vomits more than twice, or seems unusually sleepy or slow to respond, take them to the doctor right away. - Bleeding or a large bump
Small lumps are normal. But if the scalp is bleeding heavily, split open, or looks sunken, go to the emergency room immediately. - Strange behavior or speech
If your child seems confused, talks strangely, or walks unsteadily, these may be signs of a concussion or internal injury.
2. When to Go to the Hospital Immediately
You should seek emergency care right away if your child:
- Loses consciousness for more than 1 minute
- Vomits repeatedly or cannot stop
- Has unequal pupils or blank eyes
- Cries nonstop or can’t be comforted
- Has blood or clear fluid coming from the nose or ears
- Has a visible dent or deep swelling on the head
Doctors may order a CT scan or MRI to check for bleeding or a skull fracture if they suspect a serious injury.
3. What to Do at Home
If the doctor says it’s safe to observe your child at home, keep a close eye on them for at least 24 hours:
- It’s okay for your child to sleep, but wake them up every 2–3 hours to check if they respond normally.
- Avoid rough play, sports, or screen time for a few days.
- If you notice vomiting, severe headache, or drowsiness, go back to the doctor.
- Use a cold compress on the bump for 10–15 minutes to reduce swelling. Do not apply ice directly on the skin.
4. Do All Kids Need a CT Scan?
Many parents worry about radiation from CT scans. Doctors will only recommend one if it’s truly necessary.
If your child is alert, not vomiting, and behaving normally, observation is usually enough.
But if there’s fainting, repeated vomiting, or worsening headache, a scan helps make sure there’s no internal bleeding.
5. How to Prevent Head Injuries
- Teach safety rules — no pushing or running on wet floors.
- Childproof your home — use guardrails on beds and safety gates on stairs.
- Use protective gear — helmets for biking, skating, or scootering are essential.
6. In Summary
Head bumps are common in childhood, but careful observation is key.
Minor bumps usually heal with rest and care, but if your child shows any serious symptoms, don’t hesitate to get medical help.
Your calm and quick response can make all the difference in keeping your child safe.
FAQ — Common Parent Questions
1. Is it dangerous if my child falls asleep after hitting their head?
Not always. Sleep is okay if they respond normally when you gently wake them. If they’re hard to wake or act confused, go to the hospital.
2. My child keeps crying after bumping their head — is that a concussion?
Crying is often just fear or pain. If they can talk, eat, and play normally later, it’s likely fine. But nonstop crying with vomiting or drowsiness means you should see a doctor.
3. Should I use ice or heat for a head bump?
Use a cold pack during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling. After a day, you can use a warm compress to help it heal faster.
4. What if my child has no visible injury but gets headaches later?
Go for a check-up. Some concussion symptoms appear hours or days later, especially if headaches or vomiting persist.
