When a Bump on the Head Deserves a Closer Look
Most of the time, a minor bump is just that. But not all head injuries are obvious, and some concussions don’t show visible signs. Knowing when to seek emergency care can help protect your child’s brain and prevent lasting complications.
Here’s how to spot the subtle signs of a concussion and when it’s time to take your child to the ER for evaluation.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury. It occurs when a sudden impact or jolt causes the brain to shift inside the skull. Even low impact falls can cause a concussion, especially if your child hits a hard surface or falls from a height greater than their own.
This can temporarily affect how the brain works, even if there’s no loss of consciousness or visible injury.
Concussions can happen during:
- Falls from beds, playgrounds, or stairs
- Bicycle or scooter accidents
- Sports like football, soccer, or basketball
- Car crashes, even at low speeds
- Everyday play that involves a hard hit to the head
Many concussions heal on their own with rest and time, but some require medical treatment, especially if symptoms are severe, prolonged, or worsening.
What Makes Children More Vulnerable?
Children’s brains and neck muscles are still developing, and their skulls are softer than adults’. They may not be able to describe how they feel or recognize changes in behavior. Younger kids, in particular, may not have the words to explain headaches, dizziness, or confusion.
That’s why it’s important for parents to be able to spot changes in mood, behavior, or physical activity after any head injury.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Some signs of concussion appear right away, while others develop hours later. Call your child’s doctor or head to the ER if your child experiences any of the following:
- Loss of consciousness, even briefly
- Vomiting more than once
- Trouble walking or keeping balance
- Slurred speech or delayed response
- Unusual drowsiness or difficulty waking up
- Irritability, personality changes, or confusion
- Headache that gets worse or won’t go away
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Difficulty remembering things or concentrating
- Blurred vision or seeing double
Even a single symptom like confusion or dizziness can signal a problem that needs urgent evaluation. If your child falls asleep shortly after a head injury, it’s important to monitor them closely.
Waking them periodically to assess responsiveness can help ensure they’re not slipping into unconsciousness; take them to the hospital if necessary.
What About Infants and Toddlers?
Babies and toddlers can’t tell you they have a headache, but they can still get concussions. Signs in younger children include:
- Excessive crying or fussiness
- Bulging of the soft spot (fontanelle) should be evaluated immediately
- Refusing to eat or breastfeed
- Vomiting or changes in bowel movements
- Lack of interest in toys or people
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping more than usual
- Unequal pupil size or unfocused eyes
Any head injury in a child under one year old should be evaluated by a medical professional. Infants are at higher risk for brain bleeding, even if the injury seems minor.
When to Go to the ER
Not all head bumps require a hospital visit, but some absolutely do. Seek emergency care right away if your child:
- Was knocked unconscious, even for a few seconds
- Has a seizure after hitting their head
- Is acting confused or not like themselves
- Can’t stop vomiting
- Is unable to walk or use their limbs normally
- Has clear fluid leaking from the nose or ears
- Has a bruise behind the ear or around the eyes (a possible sign of skull fracture)
It’s always better to be safe and have your child examined than to risk missing a hidden injury.
What to Expect in the ER
At the ER, your child’s vital signs and symptoms will be assessed quickly. The medical team may:
- Ask questions about the injury and symptoms
- Perform a neurological exam
- Monitor eye movements, balance, and coordination
- Order imaging tests like a CT scan if needed
- Keep them under observation for several hours to observe for signs of worsening symptoms
Not every head injury requires a scan. In fact, many children with concussions don’t need imaging at all. The decision is based on the child’s age, symptoms, and how the injury occurred.
If a concussion is diagnosed, your child will be given a care plan to follow at home, including rest, symptom monitoring, and guidelines for returning to school or activities.
How Long Do Concussions Last?
Most mild concussions in kids improve within a week or two. However, some children may have symptoms that last for several weeks. This is called post-concussion syndrome. Ongoing symptoms like headaches, sleep problems, or difficulty concentrating should be reported to your pediatrician.
Rest is the most important part of healing. This includes limiting screen time, avoiding loud environments, and taking a break from sports or physical play until cleared by a provider.
How to Prevent Head Injuries
While not every accident can be avoided, there are steps you can take to lower your child’s risk:
- Use helmets for biking, skating, and sports
- Install safety gates for stairs and padding on sharp furniture edges
- Supervise young children closely during play
- Make sure sports coaches are trained in concussion awareness
- Teach kids to speak up if they feel dizzy, confused, or “off” after a bump
Creating a culture of safety and open communication can help kids feel comfortable reporting their symptoms. Ensure your child’s helmet fits properly and meets safety standards for their specific activity. Loose or ill-fitting helmets reduce protection.
Trust Your Gut
As a parent, you know when something is off. If your child just doesn’t seem like themselves after a head injury, it’s okay to seek help, even if the symptoms seem small. When it comes to brain health, quick action can prevent complications and support a full recovery.
Sugar Land ER is always here for the moments you can’t predict. Our team is trained to evaluate pediatric head injuries and provide the care your child needs with compassion and speed.
