It happens: children fall (sometimes on perfectly flat ground!) and nobody is to blame. Most of the time they’re just fine, but sometimes you need to watch your child’s condition carefully so you don’t miss any warning signs and can get medical help in time. Let’s break it down \u2014 bumps, colours and all.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Stay calm (yes, this matters \u2014 panic gets in the way of assessment). Sit or lay the child down. Don’t shake them or lift them up suddenly. Apply cold to the site of impact: ice or frozen food wrapped in cloth, for 15\u201320 minutes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Don’t apply heat to the bruise. Don’t massage the site of impact. Try not to leave the child alone during the first 24 hours after the bump, even if everything seems fine.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Call 999 \/ 911 \/ 112 immediately if you notice:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
If the child is under two years old \u2014 see a doctor after any head injury, even if everything looks fine on the outside. In young children, symptoms can cleverly disguise themselves as minor discomfort and may only appear several days later. Doctors call this the “observation period” \u2014 we call it “don’t let your guard down.”<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Almost always, yes. A bump is blood and fluid accumulating under the skin after an impact \u2014 it’s completely normal. It turns red, then blue, then gradually fades. It looks alarming but usually isn’t.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Three reasons to take a closer look:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Any of these symptoms is a reason to see a doctor.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Under 3\u20134 years old, a child can’t properly describe what hurts. You’ll need to be a detective: a sudden cry that abruptly goes quiet, refusing food, restless sleep \u2014 these are all symptoms to notice and remember. Monitor them and see a doctor if they worsen or increase.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Older children can explain what’s going on. Ask them: does your head hurt, and if so, how \u2014 throbbing or pressing? Do you feel sick? Dizzy? Sleepy?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Yes, without hesitation. In the first 2\u20133 hours, wake them every 30 minutes. While a child is asleep, you can’t assess their condition. If you can’t wake them or the sleep seems unusually deep \u2014 call emergency services.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Sometimes everything looks fine right after the bump. Then a few hours or even days later, something strange starts happening. These are called delayed symptoms, and they’re important to know:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
If any of these appear \u2014 see a doctor immediately.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Head injuries in children are unpredictable. A minor bump sometimes needs investigation, while a frightening-looking lump turns out to be nothing. Trust your instincts. And don’t put it off if something doesn’t feel right.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Sources:<\/strong> HealthyChildren.org (AAP)<\/a> \u2014 Head Injury in Children: How to Know If It’s Minor or Serious; Seattle Children’s Hospital<\/a> \u2014 Head Injury; Children’s Wisconsin<\/a> \u2014 Mild Head Injury: Care at Home.<\/p>\r\n\t\t