When to Call for Head Injury

Call 911 Now
(your child may need an ambulance) 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 (night or day) 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 (eg auto accident), great height (eg twice the child's height) or blow from hard object (eg golf club)
	Vomited 3 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
(between 9 am and 4 pm) If:

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

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If:

You have other questions or concerns

Patient Care at Home If:

Mild head injury and you don't think your child needs to be seen

Last reviewed: 8/2005
Last revised: 8/2005