You should trust your instincts. If you think your child doesn’t look right, you can awaken them by sitting them down. They should try to get up, but don’t force them. If you’re concerned about the child’s ability to speak, you may want to talk to your pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist (SLP). They may be able to help you determine the best course of action.
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What to watch for after child hits head?
Inconsolable crying or fussiness, vomiting more than once, balancing difficulties when sitting or walking, and being unresponsive are some changes to watch for. You should take your child to the emergency room if they show any of these symptoms, or have swelling over the site of the injury.
Why should you not go to sleep after hitting head?
It is not true that falling asleep after a head injury could lead to a coma. We know that rest is a crucial component for a concussion to heal, so waking someone up or not letting them sleep is actually going to be the most important factor in determining how well they recover.
In fact, a recent study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma found that the more sleep a person gets, the less likely they are to suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI). In other words, if you don’t get enough sleep, you’re more likely to have a TBI than someone who gets a lot of sleep.
The study also showed that people who slept less than seven hours a night were more than twice as likely as those who got seven or more hours to sustain a mild concussion. Sleep deprivation is also associated with a higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Can you let a child sleep after hitting their head NHS?
They will wake up fully, like after a nap, and it will appear to be normal ‘peaceful’ sleep. Some parents are afraid of letting their children go to sleep. NOT recommend waking your child at night after a minor accident. If you have a child who has a sleep disorder, you may want to talk to your GP. They may be able to refer you to a specialist sleep clinic.
When should I be concerned about my child hitting his head?
Call an ambulance if your child has had head injury involving high speeds or heights, or if after a knock to the head they lose consciousness or vomit more than once. Immediate medical attention is required for many of these. If you have a child with a history of head injuries, you may want to talk to your doctor about the best way to care for them.
What should I do if my child hits his head on the hard floor?
Swelling and pain can be treated with an ice pack, an age-appropriate dose of acetaminophen, and rest. Don’t hesitate to call your doctor if your child develops a goose egg.
Should I take my child to hospital after hitting head?
For anything more than a light bump on the head, you should call your child’s doctor. Your child’s doctor will want to know when and how the injury happened and how your child is feeling. If you have any questions about head injuries, please contact your pediatrician.
