Head bumps

StorkLine is a free 24-hour hotline answered by Baptist Health Paducah nurses at (270) 575-BABY. Here is a common question.

HEAD BUMPS

Question: My child fell and hit his head. Now he has a huge bump. What should I do? 

Answer: Any child who loses consciousness, even for a few seconds, needs to be taken to the Emergency department immediately to rule out a serious injury. Any child who falls with force from a great height or a moving vehicle, such as an ATV, needs to be seen as well.

If a laceration occurs, apply pressure to stop the bleeding. The child should be seen by a doctor if it doesn’t stop bleeding with direct pressure for 20 minutes. Call the nurse at StorkLine to help make a decision about going to the Emergency department.   

Most head trauma results in a large knot, swelling and bruising. These kids can be watched at home, but need medical attention if they have a dent or crease in the head.

Children who fall can sleep, but wake them up if they sleep longer than two hours. Only give them clear liquids for two hours. Return to a regular diet if there is no vomiting. Put them to bed at the regular time, but wake them before you go to bed and halfway through the night. Parents should sleep in the same room for the first two nights.