Head injury

Most childhood bumps heal quickly. Learn to assess head injuries, provide appropriate first aid, and spot serious concussion warning signs.

Children often bump their heads. Afterwards, it is normal for them to have a slight headache, feel sick for a couple of days, or be a little sleepy.

Important advice:

Treat at home and visit your community pharmacy

If a child sustains a head injury, you should monitor your child at home for 24 hours for any change in symptoms. Treat with:

  • an ice-pack on the injury for short intervals  (e.g. 10 minutes, once an hour),
  • paracetamol (following the age recommended dose on the packaging)
  • rest and avoiding rough play and sports.

Your community pharmacy team are experts in many aspects of healthcare and can offer advice on a wide range of long-term conditions and common illnesses such. You do not need an appointment and many have private consultation areas, so they are a good first port of call if you need some additional advice. Your pharmacist will say if you need further medical attention.

Important advice:

Call 111

If symptoms get worse or last longer than two weeks, then it’s time to ask for help. Call 111 as your first point of contact if your child has:

  • developed a persistent headache that doesn’t go away (depsite being given paracetamol), or
  • developed a worsening headache.
Important advice:

Call 999 or visit our nearest Emergency Department

Call 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department your child:

  • was knocked unconscious, or
  • vomits repeatedly, i.e, more than twice (with at least 10 minutes between each vomit), or
  • shows a significant change in behaviour, for example, restlessness or memory problems.