Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Headache, Sleeplessness And Slurred Speech In Children Post Mild Injury?
Question: I just went shopping with my 11 yr old grandson. His Dad reported to me that two days ago, his younger brother age 6 jumped from a high place..top of table, whatever, and they collided heads. The 11 year old was sleeping on a mattress on the floor..He said he saw black for almost a moment, then he started crying because he couldn't help it. My son said the impart was very hard to both but the 11 year old was more injured.I think the impact was likely the rounded part of the back of his head because I feel a flatness in his skull there that wasn't there before ..although his dad thought it was in back of his head towards the upper neck. Being with my grandson, his speech wasn't right at times..I had him count backward from 30..He did it alright. I picked up on some slurred words, he had a headache..he says that he has insomnia at night and wants to sleep during the day. He inverted some words about 4 times in the couple of hours I was with him. He seemed depressed..I see dark circles around his eyes. Is this an emergency?..Should he be seen by his primary doctor at least? What is the worry about this? He thinks his headaches are getting better, but he does believe they are a result of this accident with his brother. He also has had some sort of flu this past week and had a fever until today..but he is still having headaches off and on. A worried grandma:(
Is there a chance pressure is building in his skull?
Is there a chance pressure is building in his skull?
Brief Answer:
No need to rush to emergency. Consult with the primary care Doctor.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Since two days passed with minor symptoms such headaches, sleep problems and episodes of slurred speech, I think you have no need to rush to emergency.
However, those symptoms indicate mild to moderate concussion and skull flatness with blood under skin ( black round circles around eyes ) could indicate skull fracture, so there's is need to have a medical evaluation by primary Doctor.
Headaches and sleep problems could be related to previous flu and fewer too, but this condition too deserves a medical evaluation.
In conclusion, there is no need to rush to emergency if there are or will not be other symptoms such vomiting, worsening headaches, difficulty interacting with others. These symptoms indicate traumatic brain injury.
Evaluation by the primary care Doctor needed.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Take care.
No need to rush to emergency. Consult with the primary care Doctor.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Since two days passed with minor symptoms such headaches, sleep problems and episodes of slurred speech, I think you have no need to rush to emergency.
However, those symptoms indicate mild to moderate concussion and skull flatness with blood under skin ( black round circles around eyes ) could indicate skull fracture, so there's is need to have a medical evaluation by primary Doctor.
Headaches and sleep problems could be related to previous flu and fewer too, but this condition too deserves a medical evaluation.
In conclusion, there is no need to rush to emergency if there are or will not be other symptoms such vomiting, worsening headaches, difficulty interacting with others. These symptoms indicate traumatic brain injury.
Evaluation by the primary care Doctor needed.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Take care.
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
