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Is It Normal To Vomit Post Mild Head Injury In Children?
Question: Our 3 year old grandson fell off the bench of a picnic table at his birthday party three and a half hours ago and hit the back of his head on cement pad under the table. He is playing fine and pupils are not dialated but he has thrown up three times. Mom and dad do not have medical insurance but they absolutely will take him to ER if needed, but they don't know what to do.
Brief Answer:
I would recommend he be taken to an Emergency Facility
Detailed Answer:
Good afternoon. I am an adult neurologist and would highly recommend that the youngster be taken to an Emergency Care facility notwithstanding the fact that he is "playing fine." I would not be surprised if a CT of the head were negative for obvious damage, however, in a 3 year old with a recent head injury (though not with loss of consciousness necessarily) and several episodes of vomiting it is possible that there could be a small subdural hematoma developing and this could cause complications over the next 12-24 hrs. with rapid deterioration of the toddler. I would not wait for problems to occur and just get to a place for an emergency CT scan. They should also put a call in to the child's pediatrician.
Also, do not feed the child for the time being until they have had their imaging study and cleared for any intracranial problems. Also, holding the child without feeding at this time reduces the chances of pulmonary aspiration if they were to vomit again.
I realize that the couple also does not have insurance but if it is because of their financial status and they can truly not afford insurance then, they should immediately file with their state offices in order to obtain a Medicaid or State coverage card which will give at least emergency treatments at reduced or even no costs if covered by a Medicaid Program. Children will always need some type of emergency medical treatment during the course of their growing up. Not having any insurance coverage at all is not wise for obvious reasons.
I hope this answer satisfactorily addresses your interesting question. If so, may I ask your favor of a HIGH STAR RATING with some written feedback.
Also, if there are no other questions or comments, may I ask you CLOSE THE QUERY on your end so this question can be transacted and archived for further reference by colleagues as necessary?
Please direct more comments or inquiries to me in the future at:
bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi
I would be honored to answer you quickly and comprehensively.
Please keep me informed as to the outcome of your situation.
All the best.
The query has required a total of 15 minutes of physician specific time to read, research, and compile a return envoy to the patient.
I would recommend he be taken to an Emergency Facility
Detailed Answer:
Good afternoon. I am an adult neurologist and would highly recommend that the youngster be taken to an Emergency Care facility notwithstanding the fact that he is "playing fine." I would not be surprised if a CT of the head were negative for obvious damage, however, in a 3 year old with a recent head injury (though not with loss of consciousness necessarily) and several episodes of vomiting it is possible that there could be a small subdural hematoma developing and this could cause complications over the next 12-24 hrs. with rapid deterioration of the toddler. I would not wait for problems to occur and just get to a place for an emergency CT scan. They should also put a call in to the child's pediatrician.
Also, do not feed the child for the time being until they have had their imaging study and cleared for any intracranial problems. Also, holding the child without feeding at this time reduces the chances of pulmonary aspiration if they were to vomit again.
I realize that the couple also does not have insurance but if it is because of their financial status and they can truly not afford insurance then, they should immediately file with their state offices in order to obtain a Medicaid or State coverage card which will give at least emergency treatments at reduced or even no costs if covered by a Medicaid Program. Children will always need some type of emergency medical treatment during the course of their growing up. Not having any insurance coverage at all is not wise for obvious reasons.
I hope this answer satisfactorily addresses your interesting question. If so, may I ask your favor of a HIGH STAR RATING with some written feedback.
Also, if there are no other questions or comments, may I ask you CLOSE THE QUERY on your end so this question can be transacted and archived for further reference by colleagues as necessary?
Please direct more comments or inquiries to me in the future at:
bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi
I would be honored to answer you quickly and comprehensively.
Please keep me informed as to the outcome of your situation.
All the best.
The query has required a total of 15 minutes of physician specific time to read, research, and compile a return envoy to the patient.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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