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Young children, especially those newly-mobile infants and toddlers negotiating their surroundings, are susceptible to head injuries. While a bump or bruise is not uncommon and often requires little more than an icepack and a kiss, there are a few things that you should look for to determine if your little one needs additional treatment.

Decide if your child has sustained an external or internal head injury. External head injuries are those that occur on the scalp. Although these injuries are the most common and may bleed or swell, there is little reason to be concerned. External head injuries, which include fractures, damage to the brain or blood vessels, can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

If your infant has suffered either an external or suspected internal head injury, call his pediatrician. She will then ask you additional questions to determine whether further treatment is necessary.

For a child who is behaving “normally,” apply an icepack, wrapped in a cloth, to the injured area for 20 minutes. Additionally, observe your child closely for the next 24 hours for any abnormal signs, such as change in color or breathing.

If your infant or child experiences any of the following, call an ambulance immediately:

• Unconsciousness
• Abnormal breathing
• Skull fractures
• Bleeding from the nose, mouth, or ears
• Difficulty with motor functions, such as walking or talking
• Vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Seizure
• Body weakness or stiffness

Tags: children, head injuries, infants, Parenting