Head injuries are quite common in childhood, often resulting from falls and collisions.  Most head injuries are not serious, but it is important to pay attention to warning signs of a serious head injury.  After a fall or a head injury, a child may sustain a bump, called a hematoma, on the head.  This is a collection of blood under the skin that will be reabsorbed over time.  The presence of a hematoma is not necessarily associated with a serious head injury.

If your child lost consciousness at the time of the fall or collision, you must call us immediately.

If your child did not lose consciousness, you may watch your child at home.  Signs of serious head injury may develop over a 24 hours period after a fall or collision.  Potential warning signs include:

• Difficulty awakening or excessive sleepiness.  You may allow your child to sleep, but for the next 24 hours you should awaken him every two to three ours to see if he or she is acting normally (i.e. recognizes you, talks to you, etc.)
• Persistent vomiting
• Severe headache that does not improve with Tylenol (acetaminophen)
• Convulsions or seizures
• Unsteadiness while walking
• Difficulty talking
• Double vision
• Persistent dizziness
• Fever