Head Injuries and Concussion

Most head injuries are minor, but any head injury can put your child at risk for concussion.

If your child has a deep cut on the scalp or head, apply pressure and see a doctor right away.

If you think that your child has a concussion, see a doctor on the day the head injury occurs.

Watch your child after a head injury. If you see signs that your child is getting worse, take them to the nearest emergency department or call 911 right away.

When should I take my child to doctor or hospital after a head injury?

Take your child to the doctor/hospital if your child experiences:

• Loss or decreased consciousness
• Repeated vomiting (throwing up)
• Unable to stop crying
• Appears very drowsy or is unable to be awakened
• Seizure develops
• Headache that does not go away or gets worse
• Confusion, agitation or unusual behavior develops
• Trouble seeing, speaking or walking

Your child will be assessed by the doctor and may need to have a brain scan or be admitted to hospital if their symptoms are getting worse or are not improving.

Treatment for a minor head injury at home:

• Check the head for cuts.
• Clean the area with warm water and soap.
• Gently apply pressure to the cut with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding.
• If the cut is large or deep see a doctor as stitches may be required.
• Wrap some ice in a cloth and hold over any swollen area for 20 minutes.

Do I need to wake my child at night following a head injury?

There is no need to wake your child at night following a mild head injury. If your doctor has instructed you to wake your child and you are unable to wake them call 911 and go to the hospital.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is an “invisible” brain injury that affects the way your child thinks and remembers. It cannot be seen on X-rays, MRIs or other forms of brain imaging.
Your child does not need to lose consciousness to have a concussion.
It may result from:

• direct impact to the head, neck or face
• a fall or blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move back and forth

What changes should I look for if my child has a concussion?

What should I do if I think my child has a concussion?

• See a doctor on the day the head injury occurs.
• If your child has signs of a concussion during a sports activity,
  stop participating immediately and see a doctor.
• A doctor will examine your child and may recommend further tests or, if concussion is diagnosed, provide a post-concussion management plan.

What should I do after my child has been diagnosed with concussion?

Your doctor may recommend the Return to Learn and Return to Play guidelines to help your child recover from their concussion. Follow these guidelines. If your child’s condition is worsening or not improving see your doctor right away.

Guidelines for returning to school:

Guidelines for returning to sports:

How can I prevent head injuries and concussions?

In the home:

DO NOT leave a young infant alone on a high place such as a changing table, bed or sofa.

When using a high chair, make sure your child is strapped in with the safety harness.

Use safety gates for stairs.

In the car:

Buckle up! Use proper car seats, booster seats and seat belts while in your car.

Children can switch from car seats to booster seats when they weigh 40 pounds (lb), or 18 kilograms (kg).

In the yard:

Insist on a helmet for your child for sporting activities that could cause head injury.

Be a role model and wear your helmet too!

Play it safe! Supervise your child during activities that may lead to falls or head injuries.