Primary Management of Head Injury In Children

It is very important to protect your children from any injury. Check out the Primary Management of Head Injury In Children - Internal and external Head Injury in Chidlren.

Dr. Ikram Khan Feb 5, 2020 581 0

Children of all ages are susceptible to head injuries. However, toddlers are more at risk to head bumps while learning to crawl or walk. Bumps and superficial cuts on the head and face normally heal without any specific treatment. Even a minor cut on the head may bleed heavily which can be distressing. But the injury may not be so serious and can cure with home care. But in case of internal head injury, it is very serious.

A serious internal head injury can lead to any disability or even death in children.

Types of Head Injuries

Internal Head Injury :- Include blood vessels, muscles or bones of the skull.

Symptoms Of Internal Head Injury:-

The child remains unconscious for several seconds.
Heavy bleeding which shows no signs of reducing or stopping.
The child suffers a seizure.
Continuous vomit.
The child experiences partial numbness or weakness in the body.
Disturbed speech and vision.
The child is unable to recall the incident or repeatedly asks the same questions.
Abnormal breathing.

What You Can DO:-

First of all remain calm yourself after child has had an accident. It will help you to assess the situation properly.
If child is bleeding, avoid pressure to the injury it can be dangerous in case of internal fracture.
If child is vomiting, turn the child onto his side to prevent choking, and if vomiting not stops take your child to the nearest hospital.
Keep head and neck straight to avoid any likely damage to the spine or neck.
If your child has seizure, do not move child, loosen any tighten cloths around neck and keep other objects in distance which can hurt child during seizure. Take child immediate to the nearest hospital.
Check child’s body for any other injuries that may need immediate attention.
If child is unconscious immediately take to the hospital.

External Head Injury:- usually concern the scalp.

Symptoms Of Internal Head Injury:-

A severe headache.
Recurrent vomiting.
Loss of consciousness for a few seconds.
Bruising around eyes or behind ears.
Difficulty in talking and walking normally.
Clear fluid or blood flows from nose or ears.
Swelling or dent in the head.

What You Can Do?

In case of bleeding, apply gentle pressure with any sterile cloth or bandage over the wound for some time it will help to stop bleed.
Place a cold compress on bump it will relieve pain, bruising and swelling of the skin. Cover ice with a soft cloth, directly putting ice to a wound may lead to further injury.
If child is vomiting, turn the child onto his side to prevent choking, and if vomiting not stops take your child to the nearest hospital.
It is also advisable to observe your child for the next 24 hours after the accident for any worrying signs.