Children might incur head injuries in several different ways. If left untreated, these wounds can have a significant impact on children.
The Nemours Foundation says that head injuries can take several different forms. After an accident, children might experience a skull fracture or a concussion. However, it may not be immediately apparent that a child has an injury. Loss of consciousness does not occur during every incident of trauma. Because of this, you need to recognize the common signs of a brain injury.
What symptoms should you look for?
The symptoms of a head injury can vary depending on the severity of the wound. If children have less serious injuries, they might have a headache and throw up. Additonally, you may notice some swelling around the scalp.
However, a wound could be more serious if your child seems confused and has trouble talking and walking. A child might also have neck pain. You should usually monitor your son or daughter for the next few days to see if the symptoms improve.
When does a child need medical attention?
Your child may not need a brain scan for a mild wound. However, medical attention could be necessary if your child sustained a serious injury. You should usually go to the doctor if your son or daughter develops more symptoms as time passes. If your child has a seizure, you should seek immediate medical aid. Also, a child needs to see a doctor if he or she lost consciousness during the incident.
During the recovery period, you may want to keep your child at home for a few days so that the brain can fully heal. Most children recover from head injuries with rest and time.