Caring for Your Child After a Head Injury

It is common for babies, toddlers and children to feel unwell for a short time after a minor head injury. Most children recover quickly with rest and close supervision. This guide explains what symptoms to expect, how to care for your child at home and when to seek urgent medical attention.

---

What to Expect

Following a minor head injury, your child may:

• Feel sick or dizzy.
• Be more irritable or emotional than usual.
• Find it difficult to concentrate.
• Have trouble sleeping.
• Lose their appetite.
• Feel more tired than normal.
• Develop a moderate headache.

These symptoms usually improve within a few days. If you are concerned or they continue for more than two weeks, contact your GP.

---

Looking After Your Child

To support your child’s recovery:

• Encourage plenty of rest.
• Allow them to sleep if they are tired, but check that they can be woken normally.
• Make sure they drink plenty of fluids.
• Give only medicines recommended by a healthcare professional, such as children’s paracetamol if appropriate.
• Keep a telephone nearby in case you need medical advice.

---

Extra Advice by Age

Babies

• Continue normal milk feeds.
• Avoid rich foods for the first two days.
• Make sure your baby wakes and responds normally.

Toddlers

• Avoid vigorous play.
• Offer a light diet and avoid sweets, chocolate and fizzy drinks.

Older Children

• Avoid stressful activities.
• Do not allow contact sports for at least three weeks unless advised by your doctor.
• Wait until they have fully recovered before returning to school.

---

During the First 48 Hours

Take extra care while your child recovers.

• Do not leave your child alone.
• Stay within easy reach of medical help.
• Monitor them regularly and watch for any changes in their behaviour or symptoms.

---

Seek Emergency Medical Help If Your Child

Call 999 or seek immediate medical attention if your child develops:

• Difficulty waking up or becomes unusually sleepy.
• Confusion or unusual behaviour.
• More than two episodes of vomiting.
• A severe headache or problems with vision.
• Difficulty walking or keeping their balance.
• A seizure or fit.
• Weakness in their arms or legs.
• Clear fluid leaking from the ears or nose.
• Bleeding from the ears.
• New hearing problems.
• Persistent crying, difficulty settling or failing to grasp objects.

---

When to Get Medical Advice

Call 111 if you need urgent medical advice but your child’s condition is not life-threatening.

For less urgent concerns, contact your GP or local pharmacist.