Head Injury In Children

Prevention

To help prevent head injuries in children:

• Never leave your baby alone on a changing table, bed, chair or raised surface. Instead, place your baby in a crib or playpen or on the floor if you must leave him or her unattended.

• Do not use baby walkers, because these devices can cause falls and serious injuries.

• Install window guards on windows and place safety gates near doors and stairs.

• If you have a toddler, remove throw rugs and furniture with sharp edges from the child's play areas.

• If your child uses a playground, make sure that there is a shock-absorbing surface (a thick piece of rubber or a deep layer of sand, sawdust or woodchips) under all play equipment.

• Use car safety seats that are appropriate for your child's age and weight until he or she can fit correctly in a regular seat belt.

• Make sure that your child always wears a properly fitted safety helmet while riding a bicycle or scooter. A formal course in bicycle safety also will help.

• If your child plays sports, have him or her wear appropriate protective headgear that is fitted professionally. Helmets are essential in football, baseball, ice hockey, skiing, in-line skating, skateboarding, scootering and snowboarding.

• Do not allow your child to play on trampolines unless properly supervised.

• When you go shopping, use a seat belt to secure your child safely in the seat of a shopping cart. Never leave your child unattended in the cart, and avoid placing the child inside the cart basket.

Treatment

Children with mild head injuries usually don't need any treatment other than careful monitoring for 48 hours. For a child with a concussion, careful monitoring also is important, and the child may need to stay out of sports for an extended period. If your child's injury is more serious and he or she is being monitored in the emergency room or has been admitted to the hospital for observation, medical personnel will periodically assess your child's condition. Once your doctor is satisfied that your child can be sent home safely, he or she will allow you to leave with instructions. If your child complains of headaches, your doctor probably will suggest acetaminophen (Tylenol). You should avoid giving your child aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Naprosyn) or indomethacin (Indocin), because these drugs may increase the risk of bleeding inside the head.

In children with more serious head injuries, treatment depends on the type of head injury, its severity and location. In some cases, the child may need to be treated in an intensive care unit (ICU). Depending on the severity of the brain injury, treatment may include a respirator machine to breathe for your child, and medications to control pain, limit body movement, decrease swelling inside the brain, maintain blood pressure and prevent seizures. Surgery may need to be done to drain an epidural or subdural hematoma, or to treat a depressed skull fracture, brain hemorrhage or contusion.