top of page
Search

Head Bumps – a guide for parents!

Little Lives First Aid

According to the Child Accident prevention trust ‘Every day, 45 children under five are admitted to hospital following a serious fall’.

 

Let’s face it, kids love to bump their heads - it’s part of growing up as they begin to explore the world around them. With no fear and no sense of danger, accidents will happen from time to time. Of course, prevention is better than cure, so it is important to childproof your home: install stairgates; ensure your child is not left unattended on a bed, changing table or in a highchair; and all kids should wear helmets when on bikes and scooters. 

 

As a Paramedic and a Mum, I have seen many a head bump over the years. Thankfully, for the most part, injuries are minor. However, all parents should know how to treat a head bump and be aware of the worrying signs and symptoms. Hopefully, this guide will help you.

 

How to treat a minor bump

 

In most cases, head bumps are treatable at home. If your child has a minor bump and has had no loss of consciousness or worrying signs, simply let them rest, comfort and monitor them. Applying a cold compress can help, such as a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel. You might consider paracetamol for the pain.

 

Can I let them sleep after a head bump?

 

A frequent question asked in my first aid classes! A head bump can, of course, cause upset, so it can be normal for the child to want to sleep after, or perhaps they are due for a nap. Providing there has been no loss of consciousness or worrying signs, it is fine to let them sleep, but keep them close and check on them regularly to ensure they are rousable.

 

Should I be worried?

 

It is important to understand that all head injuries have the potential to be serious, so we should keep a close eye on anyone who has had a recent knock to the head and for a good few days after. Any concerning symptoms or change in behaviour must be urgently assessed.

 

This handy mnemonic ‘head bumps’ highlights some of the red flags that could indicate a serious injury.

 

 

Headache that won’t go away – persistent or worsening.

 

Eyesight problems, such as blurred vision

 

Amnesia - confusion & repetitiveness

 

Dizziness & balance issues

 

Behavioural changes

 

Unconscious at any time

 

Mechanism of Injury poses high risk.

 

Poor concentration, drowsy

 

Sickness – vomits more than once

 

 

As well as assessing how your child is after a fall, it is important to consider other factors - the height they have fallen from and the surface they have landed on. Remember babies' heads are large in proportion to their bodies and, therefore, can be more vulnerable to injury. There's no height limit considered “safe” but generally speaking the risk of injury is more likely if fallen from a height that is double their height.

 

Final words of advice…


Remember prevention and trust your instincts!!






2 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page