Keeping Kids Healthy: Recommendations about dealing with children’s head injuries

In this week’s Keeping Kids Healthy column by UTMB’s Dr. Sally Robinson: What should you do if your child has a head injury but does not lose consciousness? This is what is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. For anything more than a light bump on the head, you should call your child’s doctor. The doctor will want to know when and how the injury happened and how your child is feeling. If your child is alert and responds to you, the head injury is mild and usually no tests or X-rays are needed.Your child may cry from pain or fright but this should last no longer than 10 minutes. You may need to apply a cold compress for 20 minutes to help the swelling go down and then watch your child closely for a time. If there are any changes in your child’s condition call your doctor right away.You may need to bring your child to the doctor’s office or to the hospital. [Note: Paid subscription required. Contact UTMB Media Relations for details.]