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Instructions

• Instructions for new users

Call 911 Now If:

• A seizure (convulsion) occurred
• Knocked unconscious > 1 minute
• Not moving neck normally (Caution: protect the neck from any movement)
• Difficult to awaken
• Confused thinking, slurred speech, unsteady walking OR weakness of arms present now
• Major bleeding that can't be stopped

Call Your Doctor Now If:

• You think your child has a serious injury
• Age < 1 year old
• Neck pain
• Knocked unconscious < 1 minute
• Had confused thinking, slurred speech, unsteady walking OR weakness of arms BUT fine now
• Blurred vision persists > 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 since injury
• Watery fluid dripping from the nose or ear while child not crying
• Severe headache or crying
• Can't remember what happened

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours If:

• You think your child needs to be seen
• Headache persists > 3 days

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Hours If:

• You have other questions or concerns

Home Care (Read "Call Your Doctor…" first):

Wound Care

If there is a scrape or cut, wash it off with soap and water. Then apply pressure with a sterile gauze for 10 minutes to stop any bleeding.

Local Cold

Apply a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a wet cloth to any swelling for 20 minutes. (Big lumps are common).

Observation

• Observe your child closely during the first 2 hours following the injury
• Encourage your child to lie down and rest until all symptoms have cleared. (Note: mild headache, mild dizziness and nausea are common)
• Allow your child to sleep if he wants to, but keep him nearby
• Awaken after 2 hours of sleeping to check the ability to walk and talk

Diet

Offer only clear fluids to drink, in case he vomits. Regular diet OK after 2 hours.

Avoid Pain Medicines

If the headache is that bad, he needs to be examined.

Special Precautions at Night

• Awaken your child at your bedtime and again 4 hours later for 2 nights
• Check the ability to walk and talk. Sleep in same room as your child for 2 nights
• After 48 hours, return to a normal routine

Expected Course

Most head impact only causes a scalp injury. The swelling may take a week to resolve. The local headache at the site of impact usually clears in 2 to 3 days.

Call Your Doctor If:

Pain becomes severeYour child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor…" symptoms.