Head Injury

Looking after your child after a head injury

After a head injury, an adult should stay with your child and keep an eye on them for the next 24 hours.

Your child may have a headache or feel sore. You can give them pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, if it is suitable for them. Always follow the instructions on the packet.

What warning signs should I look out for?

Get medical help urgently if your child:

• Becomes very sleepy or is difficult to wake up.
• Has a headache that does not get better with pain relief.
• Keeps being sick.
• Has weakness in their arms or legs, or cannot hold things properly.
• Has trouble seeing, walking or keeping their balance.
• Seems confused or does not know where they are.
• Has blood or clear fluid coming from their ears or nose.
• Has a fit or seizure.
• Starts behaving in a way that is not normal for them.

Call 999 if your child is difficult to wake, has a seizure or has other serious symptoms.

If you are worried about your child, get medical advice by calling NHS 111 (you can ask for an interpreter) or bring them back to the Emergency Department.

Can my child go to sleep?

Yes! Your child can sleep as normal after a head injury.

An adult should check on them a couple of times during the night.

When you check on your child, make sure:

• They are breathing normally.
• They are lying in a normal, comfortable position.
• They respond when you gently try to wake them, for example, by pulling up their covers or giving them their teddy.
• If you are not sure they are sleeping normally, gently wake them fully to check that they respond as expected.

What is concussion?

Concussion is a type of brain injury that can happen when someone bumps or hits their head.

What are the signs of concussion?

Your child might:

• Have a headache.
• Feel very tired.
• Feel sick.
• Find it hard to concentrate or pay attention.
• Feel unsteady or have trouble keeping their balance.
• Find bright lights or loud noises uncomfortable.

Most children who receive this leaflet will not develop signs of concussion.

However, if your child has any of these symptoms after the first 24 hours, the advice below can help them get better.

Getting better after concussion: ACoRN

ACoRN stands for After Concussion, Return to Normality. It helps your child slowly get back to their normal activities.

Think of it like a traffic-light system that helps you know when it is safe to do a little more.

• Take your time. Your child should start with activities they can manage without making their symptoms worse.
• Move forward slowly. They can move to the next stage when they have had no symptoms for at least 24 hours.
• Take a step back if needed. If their symptoms come back, return to the previous stage and give them more time to rest.
• Get help if things get worse. Contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice. Call 999 if your child needs emergency help.
• See your GP if symptoms last longer than two weeks.

When can my child play sport again?

Your child should have at least two weeks away from sport after a head injury, following the advice in this leaflet.

They should return to sport slowly and follow the correct concussion guidance. They should not play sport while they still have symptoms.

Remember: If in doubt, sit them out!

You can find more advice in the If in doubt, sit them out guidance on the Sport and Recreation Alliance website.

Where can I get more help?

The Child Brain Injury Trust offers information and support for children who have had a brain injury and their families.