Head Injury in Children: Understanding Soft Swelling & When to Worry

Seek immediate medical attention if your child has any of these symptoms after bumping their head:

* A hard, raised bump (lump) on the head

* Vomiting

* Seizures

* Loss of consciousness

* Confusion or disorientation

* Severe headache

* Dizziness

* Difficulty speaking or walking

* Blurred vision

* Neck pain or stiffness

* Unusual drowsiness or irritability

* Loss of balance

* Nausea

If your child has a soft swelling on their head, it is likely a minor injury and will go down within a few days. You can help reduce the swelling by:

* Applying ice wrapped in a towel or cloth to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day

* Elevating the affected area

* Giving your child pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen

* Keeping your child quiet and avoiding activities that could jar their head

If the swelling does not go down within a few days, or if your child develops any of the symptoms listed above, seek medical attention immediately.