Contusion of the skull/concussion of the brain

Rules of behaviour:

• Protect the child from strong sunlight.
• Ensure a quiet environment.

If you notice the following signs, you should contact your paediatrician or the UKBB emergency department:

• Insatiable crying that does not improve with attempts at calming.
• Restlessness or mild pain that cannot be relieved by painkillers.
• Increased spitting up or vomiting three times within 24 hours after the fall or head impact.
• Sleep phases that last longer than you are used to from your child.
• The child is significantly less alert, sleepy and does not wake up properly.
• The child no longer reports independently for mealtimes.

Rules of behaviour:

• Plan sufficient rest periods into your daily routine, as you may have an increased need for sleep.
• Your child should take it easy physically as long as it shows the signs listed below. As soon as they complain of a headache during activities, they should rest.
• Mobile phone, television and computer use should be reduced to a minimum in the first few days.
• Protect your child from strong sunlight and noise.
• Only give your child easily digestible food for the first few days.
• Slight concentration and memory problems can occur after a fall, so only send your child to nursery or school if they feel well.

If you notice the following signs, you should contact your paediatrician or the UKBB emergency department:

• Mild or persistent headache that does not improve one hour after taking a painkiller. Dizziness and unsteadiness when walking.
• Vomiting more than three times within 24 hours of the fall or head impact.
• Increasing and/or pronounced drowsiness.
• Increasing confusion, drowsiness or an increasingly slower reaction time.
• Neck pain that does not improve with heat or one hour after taking a painkiller.
• Feeling of weakness and numbness in arms and legs.