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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Why Is My Baby Sleeping More After Being Hit In Head?

I was reaching over my two month old son after feeding him to set down his bottle when I accidently hit him in the head with the bottom of it. He's been sleeping alot but when I wake him up he will be alert for just a little bit and cry than go back to sleep. I'm not sure were in the head I hit him as I wasn't looking at the time but there is no bruise or anything just a little swollen above his ear. Does this seem concerning? I heard it when I hit his head so does this mean I hit on bone or soft spot? Since this has happened his soft spot has been pulsating.
Wed, 15 Jan 2014
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Pediatrician,  's  Response

After a knock to the head, children will often cry, be distressed and then settle down. It is then quite common for them to want to sleep for a short while. This is normal. However, it will appear to be a normal 'peaceful' sleep, and they wake up fully after a nap.

Some parents are afraid to let their children go to sleep if the accident happens just before bedtime. Do let them. Drowsiness means they cannot be roused. If you have a concern, wake the child up after an hour or so. They may be grumpy about being woken up, but that is reassuring. You can then let him or her go back off to sleep again. You can do this a few times during the night if there is particular concern. When asleep, check to see that he or she appears to be breathing normally and is sleeping in a normal position


I advise to see a doctor quickly if any of the following symptoms occur after a head injury
Drowsiness when you would normally be wide awake .
Worsening headache - which does not go away with paracetamol (but see below).
Confusion, strange behaviour, any problems understanding or speaking.
Vomiting.
Loss of use of part of the body - for example, weakness in an arm or leg.
Dizziness, loss of balance or walking strangely.
Fitting (convulsions) or collapse followed by feeling strange afterwards.
Any visual problems, such as blurring of vision or double vision.
Blood or clear fluid leaking from the nose or ear.
New deafness in one or both ears.
Unusual breathing patterns.
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Why Is My Baby Sleeping More After Being Hit In Head?

After a knock to the head, children will often cry, be distressed and then settle down. It is then quite common for them to want to sleep for a short while. This is normal. However, it will appear to be a normal peaceful sleep, and they wake up fully after a nap. Some parents are afraid to let their children go to sleep if the accident happens just before bedtime. Do let them. Drowsiness means they cannot be roused. If you have a concern, wake the child up after an hour or so. They may be grumpy about being woken up, but that is reassuring. You can then let him or her go back off to sleep again. You can do this a few times during the night if there is particular concern. When asleep, check to see that he or she appears to be breathing normally and is sleeping in a normal position I advise to see a doctor quickly if any of the following symptoms occur after a head injury Drowsiness when you would normally be wide awake . Worsening headache - which does not go away with paracetamol (but see below). Confusion, strange behaviour, any problems understanding or speaking. Vomiting. Loss of use of part of the body - for example, weakness in an arm or leg. Dizziness, loss of balance or walking strangely. Fitting (convulsions) or collapse followed by feeling strange afterwards. Any visual problems, such as blurring of vision or double vision. Blood or clear fluid leaking from the nose or ear. New deafness in one or both ears. Unusual breathing patterns.