Head Injury

When to Call Your Doctor - Call Your Doctor Now

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

  • You think your child has a serious injury
  • Age under 1 year old
  • Neck pain
  • Knocked unconscious for less than 1 minute
  • Had confused thinking, slurred speech, unsteady walking OR weakness of arms/legs BUT fine now
  • >Blurred vision persists for more than 5 minutes
  • Skin is split open or gaping and may need stitches
  • Bleeding that won't stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure
  • Large swelling (larger than 1 inch or 2.5 cm)
  • Large dent in skull
  • Injury caused by high speed (e.g., auto accident), great height (e.g., twice the child's height) or blow from hard object (e.g., golf club)
  • Vomited 2 or more times within 3 days of injury
  • Watery fluid dripping from the nose or ear while child not crying
  • Severe headache or crying
  • Can't remember what happened

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

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