Head Injury

Advice for parents and carers of children

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If your child has any of the following during the next 48 hours:

Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999

If your child has any of the following during the next 48 hours:

Develops a persistent headache that doesn’t go away (despite painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen)
Develops a worsening headache

Please ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111 - dial 111

If your child:

Is alert and interacts with you
Vomits, but only up to twice
Experiences mild headaches, struggles to concentrate, lacks appetite or has problems sleeping
If you are very concerned about these symptoms or they go on for GREEN more than 2 months, make an appointment to see your GP.

Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, call NHS 111 – dial 111

Ensure that they have plenty of rest initially. A gradual return to normal activities/school is always recommended.
Increase activities only as symptoms improve and at a manageable pace.
It is best to avoid computer games, sporting activity and excessive exercise until all symptoms have improved.

Symptoms of concussion include mild headache, feeling sick (without vomiting), dizziness, bad temper, problems concentrating, difficulty remembering things, tiredness, lack of appetite or problems sleeping – these can last for a few days, weeks or even months. Some symptoms resolve quickly whilst others may take a little longer.
Concussion can happen after a mild head injury, even if they haven’t been “knocked out”.
9 out of 10 children with concussion recover fully, but some can experience long term effects, especially if they return to sporting activities too quickly. It is really important that your child has a gradual return to normal activities and that they are assessed by a doctor before beginning activities that may result in them having another head injury.
If you are very concerned about these symptoms or they last longer than 2 months, you should seek medical advice from your doctor.

Don’t allow your child to return to school until you feel that they have completely recovered.
Try not to leave your child alone at home for the first 48 hours after a significant head injury

Repeated head injury during recovery from concussion can cause long term damage to a child’s brain.
Expect to stay off sport until at least 2 weeks after symptoms are fully recovered.
Always discuss with your child’s school and sports club to discuss a gradual return to full activity.

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