Why do children often hit their heads?
A small child’s head is heavier relative to his body, and coordination is still imperfect, so when he falls, he lands on his head. The bones of the skull in children are thinner and more elastic, and infants have an open fontanelle, which partly softens the blow. However, the child’s brain is more vulnerable, and signs of damage are erased: instead of complaining of a headache, the baby simply becomes lethargic, refuses to eat, or, conversely, is restless.
- Fall from changing table, sofa, bed
- Falling from your own height when taking your first steps
- Slides, swings, bicycle, scooter
- Hitting edge of furniture and door frame
- Sports and street injuries in schoolchildren
What to do in the first minutes
Calm the child and examine the impact site. Apply a cold pack wrapped in a cloth to the bump for 10-15 minutes - this will reduce the swelling. Rinse the abrasion with water and treat with an antiseptic. Don't let your baby fall asleep immediately for the first hour to assess his behavior, and don't feed heavily until you're sure there's no nausea. If you plan to see a doctor, do not give painkillers before the examination: they may blur the picture. Provide peace and quiet.
- Cold to the impact site through the fabric
- Examination of the head: abrasions, depressions, hematomas
- Rest, no active running or screens
- Do not give painkillers until examined by a doctor
- Drink lightly and eat small portions
- Observe behavior, not lump size
How to observe at home during the day
The first 24 hours are key. Observe your level of alertness, appetite, gait and behavior. The child can sleep, but at night it is worth gently checking several times whether he wakes up easily and reacts in the usual way. Any deterioration compared to the previous hour should alert you: increasing headache, repeated vomiting, increasing lethargy. A child may vomit once immediately after a blow due to fright, but repeated vomiting is a reason to consult a doctor.
- Check if the child wakes up easily
- Monitor the number of episodes of vomiting
- Assess gait, balance, speech
- Pay attention to unusual moodiness or lethargy
- Limit active games for 1–2 days
- If there is any worsening, consult a doctor
Surveys
The doctor's examination includes an assessment of consciousness, pupils, reflexes and a search for injuries to the skull. In children under one year old with an open fontanel, neurosonography is used - a safe ultrasound examination of the brain. Computed tomography is the most accurate method for detecting hemorrhage and fracture, but it is associated with radiation exposure, so it is prescribed to children for clear indications: loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, convulsions, suspected fracture, severe mechanism of injury. X-rays of the skull are used to a limited extent today.
- Examination by a pediatrician or pediatric traumatologist
- Neurological examination
- Neurosonography in children with open fontanel
- Computed tomography of the brain according to indications
- Echoencephalography as an auxiliary method
- Hospitalization for observation if in doubt
Treatment and prevention
For an ordinary soft tissue injury, almost no treatment is required: cold in the first hours, rest for a day or two and a gradual return to play. In case of a concussion, the doctor recommends limiting screens, noisy games and physical activity for several days, and schoolchildren - a gentle study regimen. Hospitalization is necessary for brain damage, skull fracture, or persistent symptoms. Prevention is the most important: barriers on stairs, blocking windows, helmets on bicycles and scooters, car seats. Never leave your baby alone on the changing table.
- Cold, rest and observation for minor bruises
- Limiting screens and vigorous play when concussed
- Hospitalization for brain damage
- Safety barriers on stairs and window stops
- Helmet when riding a bicycle, scooter, roller skates
- Car seat in the car and baby seat on the changing table