Clinical Portal 2026Dr. Murali Gopal
Parent guide

Head Injury in Children

What parents should watch for after a bump, fall, or blow to the head, and when urgent care is needed.

Parent GuideReviewed
Observe closelyCheck alertnessAvoid sport returnKnow red flags

Dr. Murali Gopal

Senior Paediatrician & Paediatric Pulmonologist
MCR: 57489
MBBS, DCH(UK), MRCPCH(UK), FRCPCH(UK), CCT Paediatrics (UK), Fellow in Paediatric Pulmonology (Aus), Allergology (Ind)
Last reviewed: 1 July 2026

Most minor bumps settle, but some head injuries need urgent review. Watch the child closely and seek help promptly if warning signs appear.

What parents may observe

  • Crying, brief headache, scalp swelling, tiredness, dizziness, nausea, or mild irritability can occur after a minor bump.
  • Children may not describe symptoms clearly, so changes in behaviour, balance, feeding, or sleepiness matter.
  • Babies, children with bleeding problems, and children with significant falls or high-speed injuries need extra caution.

Safer observation after a minor bump

  • Keep the child with a responsible adult and avoid rough play, cycling, climbing, contact sport, or screens if symptoms worsen.
  • Offer quiet rest and normal fluids if the child is alert and not vomiting repeatedly.
  • Arrange medical advice if headache, dizziness, vomiting, balance trouble, or behaviour change continues.
  • Return to school, sport, and strenuous activity should be gradual and guided by medical advice if concussion is suspected.

What not to do

  • Do not leave a child alone after a concerning head injury.
  • Do not ignore worsening headache, repeated vomiting, confusion, or unusual drowsiness.
  • Do not allow same-day return to sport after suspected concussion.
  • Do not move a child with neck pain, weakness, numbness, or major trauma unless there is immediate danger.

Red flags / when to seek urgent care

Seek urgent medical care now after head injury if there is loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, seizure, worsening headache, confusion, slurred speech, unequal pupils, weakness, neck pain, bleeding or fluid from the ear or nose, or the child is difficult to wake. Call emergency services for major trauma, unresponsiveness, breathing difficulty, or a rapidly worsening child.

Medical disclaimer

General education only This guide does not replace emergency care, concussion assessment, imaging decisions, diagnosis, school or sport clearance, or individualized advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

References

  1. Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. Kids Health Info: Head injury - general advice. Accessed 24 May 2026.
  2. NHS. Head injury and concussion guidance. Accessed 24 May 2026.
  3. CDC. HEADS UP concussion resources. Accessed 24 May 2026.
  4. American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. Head injury guidance. Accessed 24 May 2026.

Last reviewed: 1 July 2026.

Medical review

Reviewed byDr. Murali Gopal

Last reviewed2026-07-01

Medical review statusClinician reviewed

ReferencesRCH Kids Health Info head injury guidance; NHS head injury guidance; CDC HEADS UP concussion resources; American Academy of Pediatrics HealthyChildren head injury guidance

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This parent guide is for general education only and does not replace consultation with your child’s paediatrician. Please seek medical care urgently if your child appears seriously unwell, has breathing difficulty, poor feeding, dehydration, altered responsiveness, or if you are worried.

© Dr. Murali Gopal | For Patient Education Only This educational material is intended for parent and patient education. Reproduction, redistribution, or modification without permission is not allowed.