Head Injury in Children: When a Bump Is Serious and When It's Not

Head bumps are common in children. Most are minor, but some require urgent evaluation.

🚨 Seek Emergency Care Immediately If Your Child Has Any of These:

• Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
• Vomiting (repeated or projectile)
• Seizure or abnormal movements
• Confusion, disorientation, or difficulty waking
• Severe or worsening headache
• Unequal pupil size
• Weakness, numbness, or difficulty walking/speaking
• Clear fluid or blood from nose/ears
• Bruising behind ears (Battle's sign) or around eyes (raccoon eyes)
• Persistent crying or irritability that cannot be consoled
• Bulging fontanelle (in infants)

✅ Likely Minor: Soft Swelling ("Goose Egg")

A soft, boggy scalp hematoma is usually benign. The scalp has rich blood supply, so even minor trauma can cause impressive swelling.

Home Care for Minor Bumps:

• Apply ice wrapped in cloth: 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off.
• Keep child calm and quiet; avoid rough play.
• Age-appropriate pain reliever (acetaminophen or ibuprofen—no aspirin).
• Monitor closely for 24–48 hours.
• Wake child once or twice overnight to check responsiveness (if advised by doctor).

⚠️ Follow Up With a Doctor If:

• Swelling doesn't improve in a few days
• Child develops any "red flag" symptoms above
• Behavior changes (lethargy, personality change, regression)
• You're unsure or worried

When in doubt, call your pediatrician or go to the ER. It's always better to be cautious with head injuries.