Children and Young People’s Emergency Department
You have been given this information because your child has been diagnosed with a head injury. At this time there is no suggestion that there is a serious injury. Head injuries are very common and the majority of children have no concerning features or problems.
Many children may continue to need observation into the following day after a head injury, and this can be done at home with a sensible adult.
After a head injury children may have some minor symptoms such as:
- Increased tiredness
Your child may wish to sleep more than usual. This is only concerning if your child is drowsy and difficult to rouse. Children may be allowed to sleep as normal after a head injury. - Loss of appetite
Mild sickness and feeling dizzy is common after a head injury. Ensure your child is drinking plenty of fluids, you do not need to force them to eat. - Headache
Older children may complain of a headache, and younger children may be more unsettled than usual. Paracetamol should be given regularly as directed on the bottle. - Changes in behaviour
Older children may have trouble concentrating on school work or reading.
Most minor symptoms will settle with regular painkillers and rest from television, computers and intensive reading.
Children should be prevented from returning to contact sports or physical exertion for 24 hours and re-introduced when symptoms have resolved.
You should seek medical attention if any of the following occur to your child:
- Drowsy and difficult to rouse
- Vomiting more than 3 times
- Is confused or does not seem to understand what is being said to him or her
- Has any event that which you may think is a fit (seizure)
- Has a severe ongoing headache despite pain relief medication
- Has bleeding or a watery discharge from the nose or ears
- Crying continuously and cannot be settled, especially in a child under 1 year old.
Treating Pain
If needed, painkiller options include the following:
Paracetamol is usually recommended for painful sprains or strains.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) relieve pain and may also limit inflammation and swelling. You can buy some types (for example, ibuprofen) at pharmacies, without a prescription.
You should check the medication advice leaflet to ensure you are safe to take these as some patients with asthma or stomach ulcers may not be able to.
Further information
For further advice and information about your condition, please choose from the following:
- ‘NHS Patient Choices’ website: www.nhs.uk
- ‘Making Lives Better’ patient website: www.patient.info
- Telephone NHS 111
- Contact your General Practitioner
Contact details
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- The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW
Telephone: 01642 850850 - The Friarage, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 1JG
Telephone: 01609 779911 - Redcar Primary Care Hospital, West Dyke Road, Redcar, TS10 4NW
Telephone: 01642 511000
If you have any medical concerns or need advice please contact 111, for further information regarding this leaflet please contact s[email protected]
This email will be monitored 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]
The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW.
Telephone: 01642 850850
