Suggest Treatment For Swelling On Head After An Accident In A Child

Posted on Wed, 8 Jun 2016

Question: My 7 year old son fell on his head off a slide at school no one witnessed it he is very pale and sore his head is a bit swollen and he wants to sleep? The hospitals hear aren't very helpful what should I do?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
If no serious symptoms, just observation of condition.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Since there are no witnesses, we don't know if your son did loose consciousness or not.

If there is no nausea and/or vomiting, most probably it is just a concussion that is causing your son's problems.

It is necessary for about 6-12 hours to be free of symptoms that may indicate serious brain injury such vomiting, lethargy, any limbs weakness, slurred speech, in order to be sure that it was just a concussion. So, if no serious symptoms such those mentioned above, I suggest you to observe your son's condition.

If significant symptoms, or you are really in doubt, a head CT scan should be done at ER to diagnose correctly your son's condition.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee