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:

Vomits repeatedly i.e. more than twice (at least 10 minutes between each vomit)
Becomes confused or unaware of their surroundings
Loses consciousness, becomes drowsy or difficult to wake
Has a convulsion or fit
Develops difficulty speaking or understanding what you are saying
Develops weakness in their arms and legs or starts losing their balance
Develops problems with their eyesight
Has clear fluid coming out of their nose or ears
Does not wake for feeds or cries constantly and cannot be soothed

You need urgent help

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

You need to contact a doctor or nurse today

Please ring your GP surgery or contact NHS 111 - dial 111 or for children aged 5 years and above visit 111.nhs.uk

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 more than 2 months, make an appointment to see your GP.

Self Care

Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, contact NHS 111 – dial 111 or for children aged 5 years and above visit 111.nhs.uk

How can I look after my child?

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.

Concussion following a head injury

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.

Advice about going back to nursery / school

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

Advice about returning to sport

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.

For further information:

Rugby: Click here.

Football: Click here.