Head Injuries in Children: Causes, Symptoms, and First Aid Treatment

Head injuries are among the most common types of injuries in children. While many head injuries are mild, they can become more serious if not treated properly. Here's everything you need to know about head injuries in children, including causes, symptoms, first aid treatment, and when to seek medical help.

Causes of Head Injuries in Children

Head injuries in children can occur for various reasons, depending on their age. Here are some common causes:

1. Falls

   • Falls are the most common cause of head injuries, especially in children between 0-4 years old. Over 60% of head injuries in this age group are due to falls.

   • Babies and toddlers may fall from beds, stairs, or playground equipment.

2. Traffic Accidents

   • Traffic accidents, especially involving pedestrians, cyclists, or car passengers, are the leading cause of serious head injuries.

   • Around 52% of severe injuries in children are caused by traffic accidents.

3. Sports and Recreational Activities

   • In children aged 10-14 years, about 21% of head injuries occur during recreational or sports activities, including cycling, skating, and contact sports like football.

4. Collisions with Objects

   • Head injuries can also happen when children accidentally collide with heavy furniture or objects. This is particularly common among younger children who may fall from heights or run into hard surfaces.

Symptoms of Head Injuries in Children

The symptoms of a head injury can vary depending on the child's age. Here are some common signs to watch for:

In Older Children:

• Headache or dizziness

• Nausea or vomiting, especially after the impact

• Balance issues or difficulty walking

• Sensitivity to bright lights or loud sounds

• Blurred or double vision

• Increased irritability

• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems

• Fatigue or excessive sleepiness

• Changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping more than usual or having trouble falling asleep

In Infants and Toddlers:

• Persistent crying and difficulty calming down

• Refusal to eat or breastfeed

• Lethargy or decreased activity

• Sleep disturbances (either excessive sleep or difficulty sleeping)

• Vomiting after the injury, even if the child hasn't eaten much

Note: It's important to monitor infants and toddlers for up to 72 hours after the injury, as symptoms may develop later.

First Aid for Head Injuries in Children

If your child has sustained a head injury, follow these steps to provide immediate first aid:

1. Keep the child still and lying down, with their head slightly elevated. Avoid moving their neck or head if you suspect spinal injury.

2. If there is a wound or bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth. Avoid pressing directly on areas where you suspect a skull fracture.

3. Monitor vital signs, including breathing and level of consciousness. If there are no signs of breathing or circulation, start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) immediately.

4. Apply a cold pack wrapped in a cloth to the swollen area, but avoid placing the ice directly on the skin.

5. Seek immediate medical attention if your child exhibits any of the following:

   • Frequent vomiting

   • Changes in consciousness or confusion

   • Weakness or difficulty speaking or walking

   • Severe bleeding or leaking clear fluid from the nose/ears

   • Bruising behind the ears or under the eyes

Treatment for Head Injuries in Children

At the hospital, doctors will first ensure that the child is breathing properly and that their heart rate is stable. In case of severe injuries, treatments may include:

1. Assessing breathing and pulse rates

2. Using a ventilator if the child is unconscious

3. If there is elevated pressure in the brain, the doctor may:

   • Administer sedatives or sleeping pills to rest the brain

   • Drain excess cerebrospinal fluid using a tube

   • Perform a surgical craniectomy (removal of part of the skull) to relieve brain swelling

4. Severe cases may require anti-seizure medications during the first week after the injury to prevent seizures.

When to See a Doctor

In more severe cases, head injuries in infants and children may present with more serious symptoms, including:

• Loss of consciousness or fainting, even briefly

• Confusion, slurred speech, or a dazed appearance

• Vomiting more than twice

• Weakness or inability to move one side of the body

• Seizures

• Clear fluid leakage from the nose or ears, which could be cerebrospinal fluid

• Uneven pupils or non-responsive pupils

• Difficulty waking from sleep

• Unexplained bruising behind the ears or under the eyes

If any of these symptoms occur, take your child to the emergency room immediately, even if they appeared fine shortly after the injury.

Conclusion

Head injuries in children, although common, should not be taken lightly. Prompt first aid, careful monitoring, and timely medical intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome of these injuries. Always prioritize safety, and ensure your child is supervised during activities that pose a risk of head injury.