When to Call the Doctor after your Child Hits Their Head

When we hear the awful thud of a child’s head, our breath catches. A prompt cry after the injury is reassuring but can be scary too.  Kids may cry very intensely and even find it hard to catch their breath after a hard bump.  In fact, a hard head bump is a common cause of a breath-holding spell in younger kids. Your first job after a head bump is to check the area for any bleeding or open wounds. Then, comfort your child by hugging them, picking them up and speaking calmly to them. It may take as long as 10-15 minutes for them to calm down.  As they are calming down, check for the symptoms listed below.

If you observe any of the following after your child hits their head, medical attention.

If your child hits their head and is (or has):

  • Under six months of age
  • Unconscious, even briefly
  • Crying for longer than 10 minutes or prolonged irritability
  • Vomiting repeatedly
  • Bleeding or other liquid draining from the ears, mouth, or nose
  • Rapid swelling just above the ear
  • Bruising around the ear or eye
  • Unable to walk or talk normally
  • Acting strangely or drowsy
  • Unequal pupil size
  • Severe, worsening headache
  • Neck pain or stiffness
  • Seizures
  • Skull indentation or large bump
  • Great force of injury (car accident, long fall, baseball bat, etc.)
  • Worsening symptoms or symptoms improve then worsen

What next?

If any of these symptoms or situations are present or if you have any concerns, call your physician right away. Your child may be fine, but you should be in touch with an expert. If your child is unable to get up by herself or is unconscious immediately after the head injury, don’t move her. Call 911 and wait for emergency help to arrive.

What else?

Episodes of pediatric head trauma, or bumps to the head, are very common and result in > 500,000 emergency room visits a year. It is helpful to keep in mind some key points about when to go to the emergency room after a head bump.

If none of these symptoms listed above are present, it is fine to keep your child at home and  let them sleep or rest, as long as you are nearby to consistently check on her.  Sleepiness or drowsiness can be common immediately after a head injury. Many physicians recommend waking your child to see if they are oriented after the initial two hours of sleeping. After this, awaken her at your bedtime and again four hours later to check on her status. After 24 hours it is fine to return to a normal sleep routine.  

Other common symptoms include headache and mild tummy upset. .. Watch your child closely for the first two hours after the injury and avoid pain medications for these first couple of hours. In general we also recommend avoiding heavy foods that may cause vomiting during this time.  If at any time your child seems to develop a suspicious symptom, call your doctor immediately.  

It is common for head bumps to develop large “goose eggs” or swellings; this is because of the large blood supply to the scalp.  The large swelling does not indicate brain swelling.  This area of swelling may be uncomfortable when touched, but as long as your child is otherwise acting normally, it is generally not a cause for concern.  Using ice packs on the area may help reduce the initial swelling.  During subsequent days, the swelling may drain down the face causing swelling and even bruising underneath where the original injury was.  If you ever become concerned about new symptoms or increasing pain, please call your pediatrician for an evaluation.  

After typical childhood head bumps the child is often back up and playing normally within a couple hours or a day.  If symptoms are lasting longer, getting worse or you are just otherwise concerned about your child contact your pediatrician.

A quick note on concussion

A concussion is an injury to the brain usually caused by a jolt or bump to the head which causes the brain to move back and forth.  For more detailed information on signs of concussion please go to our article on concussion here. 

An illustration of a concussion, a violent jarring or shaking that results in a disturbance in brain function

Did the information in this article help to answer your questions? What else could we include here to help other parents who are wondering if they should call a doctor after their child has hit their head?

References and Resources

CDC – Head Injury

Gelineau-Morel, Rose, et al. Pediatric Head Trauma: A Review and Update. Pediatrics in Review September 2019, 40 (9) 468-481.

Lumba-Brown A, et al.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guideline on the Diagnosis and Management of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Among Children. JAMA Pediatr. 2018 Nov 1;172(11):e182853.

Dr. Greene is a practicing physician, author, national and international TEDx speaker, and global health advocate. He is a graduate of Princeton University and University of California San Francisco.

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  1. Claudia

    Hello my 3 year only soon to b 4 fell off my bed and my bed is high and he hit the edge of my night stand it happened about 2 weeks ago the swelling has gone down alot but he has this little endintion idk how to spell it on his forehead were he fell its not a different color and when I ask he says it doesn’t hurt him and he’s been acting like himself nothing is different about him im just one worried mommy please help ! The minute he fell i iced it monitored him for 48 hours nothing changed about him or the way he was acting

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  2. Rian

    Hi! I have a almost 1 year old he is 11 months and will be 1 in two weeks he is always bumping his head on things! a couple days ago I took him to a school parking lot to practice walking with his shoes he sat down on the concrete and then fell backwards and hit the back of his head on the concrete I picked him up he didn’t really cry it was more of a fuss he fussed for a minute and then wanted me to put him down so he could walk again I’ve been watching him for the last two days and he seems fine he’s not acting different or anything but I’m a first time parent and I’m still worried just last night he was sleeping and literally head butted my lip on the back of his head he continued to sleep like nothing happened and wasn’t even fazed today he seems fine as well. should I take him to the doctor or am I just overreacting ?

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    • Hi Rian,

      Experienced mom here and to me, this sounds normal. Dr. Greene wrote a great piece about this called Big Heads & Baby Falls. I think you’ll really enjoy it (and breathe a sigh of relief).

      I hope that helps,
      Best, @MsGreene
      Note: I am the co-founder of DrGreene.com, but I am not Dr. Greene and I am not a doctor. Please keep that in mind when reading my comments and replies.

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  3. Hairstyles

    It is my belief that mesothelioma is usually the most dangerous cancer. It contains unusual features. The more I really look at it a lot more I am persuaded it does not conduct itself like a true solid tissues cancer. If perhaps mesothelioma is usually a rogue viral infection, in that case there is the possibility of developing a vaccine plus offering vaccination for asbestos open people who are at high risk involving developing upcoming asbestos associated malignancies. Thanks for giving your ideas about this important health issue.

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  4. jalowkicielne

    *WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..more wait .. ;) ?

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  5. Nonhlanhla Moyo

    Hie Dr Greene,my 2 yr old daughter fell from the bed and hurt her forehead above the Right eye and got a huge bump.l took to neurosurgeon and he said it’s a pingpong fracture it will heal .The bump subsided the next day but now if you palpate you can still feel a hard thing don’t know if it will ever be smooth again.He refused for a skull xray to be done and said its not necessary . Please advice me on what to do.

    Added:
    • Dear Nonhlanhla,

      Unfortunately, Dr. Greene can’t provide specific recommendations for individuals who are not his patients.

      We have provided the above information for parents and caregivers after a child has hit their head. Doctors use these guidelines as the basis for determining if a child needs to be further evaluated. Because they are general in nature, you may have specific follow-up questions. For those questions, it is best to contact your child’s pediatrician. If you are not satisfied with the answer you receive, it is appropriate to see another doctor for a second opinion.

      Best, @MsGreene
      Note: I am the co-founder of DrGreene.com, but I am not Dr. Greene and I am not a doctor. Please keep that in mind when reading my comments and replies.

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  6. Jerome

    My child just slipped and hit her jaw first on the floor and suddenly started shaking and eventually stopped shortly after a few minutes.

    I’m worried at the moment as there might be a serious injury that caused the seizure.

    She only suffered a broken lower lip.

    Should I be worried too much after this accident?

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    • Hi Jerome,

      That sounds terrifying. Unfortunately, Dr. Greene can’t provide specific recommendations for individuals who are not his patients.

      We have provided the above information for parents and caregivers after a child has hit their head. Doctors use these guidelines as the basis for determining if a child needs to be further evaluated. Because they are general in nature, you may have specific follow-up questions. For those questions, it is best to contact your child’s pediatrician.

      Best, @MsGreene
      Note: I am the co-founder of DrGreene.com, but I am not Dr. Greene and I am not a doctor. Please keep that in mind when reading my comments and replies.

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    • Kailey

      I feel like since the jaw is a pretty painful spot, she might have just been shaking from pain, I remember shaking and throwing up from hitting my knee really hard as a kid. Even still get her checked out for your peace of mind ❤

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  7. WUNMI

    I was 14 years old when i was on the bed and my playful cousin lifted the bed up,allowing me to hit my head on the hard ground.. he help me in getting up and when he saw the bump ,he ran out to call Granny the bump was so big that it got everyone really scared
    .Granny massaged it hard with an ointment and also applied ice pack on it..and then I slept .by the time i woke up the fluid was all over my nose ..to cut the story short all I used was ointment ,ice pack,and warm water after few weeks the lump went down leaving a little bump.
    and it happen again last year at 18 year old I hitted the same head on the door,and it got swollen,I did use ornament about three days and I let it be.

    Now that I am 19,close friends started asking me wat happen to my head and that motivate me into wanting to treat it again..I started massaging it two days ago and the bump got a little bigger,am thinking of using ice block also but am confuse
    I want a complete treatment for this and I hope it isn’t too late after over 6 years of the bump in my head
    pls advice me!

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    • Lenni Doyel

      I have that. Doc said it’s a calcium deposit or some such. It’s gotten better of time but hasn’t gone completely away. I asked if there was something easy to do about it like ice packs or hot packs and he said no. Mine is pretty small so I didn’t ask about surgery.

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  8. Hammad

    My elder son was playing with younger one 1.5 years of age. He hit the laptop bettry on younger head.
    Younger one has a 5 drop of blood from the ear…..
    I go to the doctor for the primary treatment…. Kid s fine giving him pain killer..taking food properly. No nousia… Behaving fully normal now. No more bleeding….
    Laughing. Playing. All s feeling better as observing.
    I request you to please suggest me should I go for CT scan.

    Added:
    • Hi Hammad,

      Dr. Greene just released an article on when to and when not to get a CT Scan, plus risks for kids. You can find it here –> CTs, MRIs, Ultrasounds: Differences, Risk & Benefits.

      I hope this answers your questions.

      Best,
      I hope that helps.
      Best, @MsGreene
      Note: I am the co-founder of DrGreene.com, but I am not Dr. Greene and I am not a doctor. Please keep that in mind when reading my comments and replies.

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  9. Mel

    No. If they have checked her and you are monitoring her, do not ask for a scan. CT Scans are necessary for some life-threatening conditions, but they are very bad for you -especially children. It is the equivalent of hundreds of x-rays (to the brain! in this case. This is ionizing radiation – is known to break the bonds of DNA.) I am a bit foggy on my research stat numbers, but CT scans of children ARE linked to brain tumors later in life. Do NOT ask for it or let them talk you into it unless there is truly a life- threatening emergency that is dependent on the results of the CT scan!

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  10. Albert Kleinsmith

    hi there my daughter fell or she say she was pussed by neighbours older daughter .my daughter is 4 knock on her forehead fells like bloodclunt infront must i be worried she said i don’t pain but she complain this morning about eye is soar and seems like she got a fever and she feels hot ..neighbours daughter 14years old what can i do

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    • Lori Rustin

      Just a mom here, but I’d take her to see a doc.

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  11. Charlotte

    My granddaughter has had a knot on her head for at least ten days should I take her to the hospital

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    • Tysha

      Yes take her right away

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    • Della

      Good evening.i ve 2.8 year old baby boy.he has fallen from cot several times.even this morning he has fallen from cot.he vomitted once and fever of 102 c.i m concerned about him .is the fever due to fallen from cot?
      Waiting for reply…….

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      • Lori Rustin

        If your child is repeatedly falling out of bed, are you sure he’s not having seizures? Especially with a fever. Maybe febrile seizures? Sounds like you need a doctor. I wouldn’t wait until tomorrow. I’d go now.

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      • Kailey

        I’d take him to the doctor and switch him to a toddler bed right away! Good luck mama ❤

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  12. Sara H.

    Hi Dr. Greene,
    Earlier today my 3 year old son was playing with his father and had tripped, fell, and hit his head on the corner edge of a wooden barstool. He cried a lot right away. I picked him up and felt a dent where the impact was: left side of the top of his head. I took him to urgent care and he was acting completely normal but the doctor was concerned about the small dent and ordered a CT scan. I decided to wait a few hours and watch my son there and he was okay. I got a second opinion because I was worried about the radiation from the CT and the second Dr said a couple x-rays should show a possible fracture. She didn’t see one but recommended rest. It’s been about 12 hours since the incident and he seems okay. Did I make a bad choice? Should I have got him the CT scan? You think he will be okay?

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    • Ruba

      Same as my daughter, I think it’s ok no need to worry

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      • Denise

        Beth did you ever get your child checked out ?? The same thing happened to my 1.5 yr old last night his eyes rolled in back of his head and I was yelling at him for about 15-20 secs to wake up and he did and seemed to be just zoned out once he finally stopped crying after about 10 mins. But I do not want to expose him to radiation if it’s not necessary at the same time I don’t want to not do something to find out later on I should have known to

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    • Mel

      Just a mom here, but I am so glad you used your intuition and got a second opinion. CT scans are used far more often than necessary and there is great risk from a CT scan itself to a child’s brain and cancer in the future.

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      • Mel

        Also, there is not much that is done really for a small skull fracture in terms of the bone…you just want to be cautious with it and get rest and nutritious food so it can heal. The main concern (for me at least) is damage to the brain. Which needs the same sort of treatment as the skull above anyway. If you have eliminated symptoms of serious swelling or bleeding, I would say treating it very carefully and promoting healing and rest is what it needs. We are extra careful with our son that had a head injury (we have 4 sons and we just are extra vigilant with him in particular,) so as not to re-injure especially during the long brain healing phase. Head injuries are cumulative unfortunately.

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    • Ally

      Yes you should’ve gotten the CT! An x-ray will only show bone fracture but the CT could’ve found internal bleeding or brain swelling. Doctors take into consideration radiation exposure when weighing the risks and benefits. Your x-ray probably didn’t give him much less radiation than the CT would’ve. Listen to your doctors, they went to many years of school for this specific purpose!

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  13. Tiera

    My son hit his head due to my daughter trying to play with him and dropped him, he is 18 months. This was 3 months ago and he still seems to have the bump on his head and also it’s now become a bald spot where the bump is…. I don’t know what it is or what to do

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    • Sue

      One week with a bump you should’ve taken your son to the ER already and not even wait 1 month

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  14. Rashi

    My one year baby fell down from bed on cement floor. She screamed and vomit the milk just after I hold her in my arms. After 5 minutes she fall asleep. Vomiting included only milk nothing else. Do i need to worry?

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    • Lori Rustin

      You must feel horrible. That happens to a lot of parents, especially when babies first start walking. So don’t be too hard on yourself.

      Because it was cement, I’d call my child’s doctor to see if she should be checked.

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  15. Carol

    My 11 month daughter fell backwards on cement and was crying while I was rubbing her head for 10 minutes next thing you know she was walking again and acting normal like usual with no vomiting and no bumps .. should I still be worried

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    • Spanky

      No

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      • Caitlin Anderson

        I would be worried if there isn’t a bump at all. My friends daughter fell onto cement at 11mo and cracked her skull. There was no swelling for a few days and then a bubble appeared on her head where her spinal fluid was seeping through the crack. Get her checked. Better safe than sorry

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  16. Beth Bridges

    My son has fallen twice now and hit his head and seemed like he had a seizure of some type, maybe. Once he was running on the couch even though we tell him not to. My husband ran to stop him, but before he could, our son fell off and hit his head on the carpeted floor. He was about 1 year old during both times. Another time he fell back from a sitting position and hit his head on the carpeted floor, but it was a hard hit. He was playing around and it happened very quickly. I was there that time. He cried a lot so I immediately picked him up to console him and then his body got rigid in my arms and then limp and he stopped crying. His eyes seemed to stay open when I tried to examine his face, but he may have still went unconscious, I don’t know. His body and face recovered within less than 20 seconds. His crying stopped when he went rigid and then limp in my arms. He seemed normal again and there were no other symptoms after that. Was that a seizure? His body did not shake. My husband said our son exhibited the same symptoms after falling off the couch and hitting his head, when I was not there to witness it. What would this be called, a seizure or what? I did not notice that he stopped breathing because it all happened so fast and he was only rigid and then limp for a few seconds in my arms and then he went back to acting normal and continued to be happy and play like nothing happened. It was very scary to witness though.

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    • Amanda

      Beth, the same thing happened with my three year daughter twice now and exactly as you described. She fell while playing on the couch. She cried for a second then went limp and her eyes rolled to the back of her head and she was drooling. I’ve made an appointment with her doctor but in the meantime want to know what this might be. Did you ever figure it out?

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    • mai

      take him to the pediaright away :( from your description, it looks like he might have myoclonic jerks or atonic seizures. just to make sure.

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  17. Beth Bridges

    My son has fallen twice now and hit his head and seemed like he had a seizure of some type, maybe. Once he was running on the couch even though we tell him not to. My husband ran to stop him, but before he could, our son fell off and hit his head on the carpeted floor. He was about 1 year old during both times. Another time he fell back from a sitting position and hit his head on the carpeted floor, but it was a hard hit. He was playing around and it happened very quickly. I was there that time. He cried a lot so I immediately picked him up to console him and then his body got rigid in my arms and then limp and he stopped crying. His eyes seemed to stay open when I tried to examine his face, but he may have still went unconscious, I don’t know. His body and face recovered within less than 20 seconds. He crying stopped when he went rigid and then limp in my arms. He seemed normal again and there were no other symptoms after that. Was that a seizure? His body did not shake. My husband said our son exhibited the same symptoms after falling off the couch and hitting his head, when I was not there to witness it. What would this be called, a seizure or what? I did not notice that he stopped breathing because it all happened so fast and he was only rigid and then limp for a few seconds in my arms and then he went back to acting normal and continued to be happy and play like nothing happened. It was very scary to witness though.

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    • aney patel

      You should definitely get him checked out.

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    • Denise

      Beth did you ever get your child checked out ?? The same thing happened to my 1.5 yr old last night his eyes rolled in back of his head and I was yelling at him for about 15-20 secs to wake up and he did and seemed to be just zoned out once he finally stopped crying after about 10 mins. But I do not want to expose him to radiation if it’s not necessary at the same time I don’t want to not do something to find out later on I should have

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  18. Lizzie

    My little one year old brother just hit his head on the shower tile and there is a huge bump on his head is he going to be ok? Do we need to take him to the doctors? There is not any simtoms but his head looks pretty bad and he wont let us put ice or any pressure on it! He keeps pointing and saying “Head”

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    • Clare

      My daughter, who is two and a half, fell and bumped her head on the bedroom door frame. She has a big lump on her head and bruises on the side of her nose. Didn’t tame her to and e but she is totally ok. What should I have done?

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  19. Remi norris

    I am a new mom my baby girl is 2 weeks and my baby boy is 2 weeks they are twins my sweet baby a was in her carrier and my husband was suposed to buckle her in but he forgot we are tired and are new parents to twins so plz don’t juge she was on the couch in her carrier when our dog got on the couch to check her out and she fell out of her seer she is ok. But she dose have a little bump once she fell i stoped every thing I was doing to rescue her she is so little I am realy worried about her.

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    • Remi,

      No judgment here. As hard as we try, I think most parents can relate to your situation — and that’s without twins. How is she doing now?

      Best, @MsGreene
      Note: I am the co-founder of DrGreene.com, but I am not Dr. Greene and I am not a doctor. Please keep that in mind when reading my comments and replies.

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    • aney patel

      Babies under age of 6 months should be checked by a physician, if hit on head

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  20. Remi norris

    I brought home my baby about too weeks ago this is my first me and my husband keep her in the bed at night with us well on monday we where getting ready to go to my moms house I had put her into her car seer and told my husband to strap her in he forgot she was in her car seer unstraped on the couch when my dog got onto the couch and her car seet fell she fell out of her car seet the moment i herd her cry I got out there she cryed for a long time and has a realy big bump its going down now but I am a first time mom and she is only too weeks

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    • Rem I norris

      We took her to the doctors today becuse she was crying and would not eat the doctor said she would be find but there’s some bruising and next time I need to strap her in and keso her on the floor I am still worieed about her shes very fragile

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      • Stephanie

        Remi Norris, You need to be careful with your babies. I have a 7 month old. Be careful with your dog around fragile new born babies never trust your dog alone with the babies, for safety YES ALWAYS STRAP YOUR BABIES! Maybe you guys are to sleepy to actually co sleep with your babies, you might Suffocate/ roll over them/ you sheets will suffocate them and kill them. Don’t be lazy!!! Co sleeping at that age is dangerous for SIDS look that up & LEARN! Educate yourself! The internet has abundant knowledge! I am a first time mom as well and you need to get on your game girl! Always be a step ahead of possible accidents. I recommend a co sleeping bed for your bed like DOC A TOT. Or less expensive similar one on Amazon. Learn about that! You might not think you will never suffocate your child but if you guys are as sleepless and not thinking straight like you were saying…..then they will be much safer in their own beds next to your bed!!

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        • Kate

          What a horrible thing to say to a new mum, you should be ashamed of yourself, this girl wasn’t looking for judgement she was looking for advice, maybe you could educate yourself on the difference. while you’re at it look up tact. She also didn’t ask for your opinion on co-sleeping either. I’m sure you’re the perfect mother who’s never had an accident but you’ve just made yourself look like a bully and although you might do everything by the book to convince yourself you’re above everyone who chooses to do things differently, I certainly hope you bring your child up to have more manners than you.

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        • Monica

          Co-sleeping is beneficial and safe for mom and baby, but should only be done if neither parent drinks or do drugs, are breastfeeding, takes sleeping meds, and have no comforters or pillows on the bed. Baby cots that attach to the bed are wonderful and extra safe for the babe. A pacifier, once breastfeeding is established, also has proven to prevent/deter SIDS. My pediatrician and breastfeeding consultants, both have no issues with cosleeping as long as the previous permitters are followed. It shows no increase in sIDS, and some studies found it lowering the likelihood. The vast majority of “roll over deaths” have occurred during intoxication, drugs, or medication with drowsiness.

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      • sheka mahendran

        Please don’t put yourself down. I’m sure you’re doing a great job, I know being a mum is hard work and you’re a superstar for having brought two tiny humans into the world!
        Don’t beat yourself up too much, and I know there can be a few judgemental people ready to point fingers and tell you unnecessary things, but ignore them! We all learn from our mistakes.
        As long as you’ve checked against a paediatrician and they’ve given you the al clear for baby, I think she’ll be okay in due time.
        Once again don’t let negative comments get you down! You’re doing an awesome job!
        #mums-support-mums!

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  21. Abi

    My 6 year old sister has fallen of a trampoline and fallen on the back of her head onto concrete. For the last couple of hours she has been very drowsy but am not sure if it’s to do with the heat and the fact she’s had a busy day. She is acting how she usually does (happy and playful) however she has been sick. We can’t give her calpol as every time she has it she is sick anyway. She’s drinking lots of water too which she normally doesn’t do. Has anyone got any advice?

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    • Lori Rustin

      Trampoline injuries should be check by a doctor in the ER — especially if the resulting fall is on to concrete. If this were my child (or my sister) I’d go to the ER now. Sorry to bring bad news.

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  22. Lindsey

    My 11 month fell down 2 stairs hit her head off cement. Screamed 15 min pupils still reacting to light. Didn’t vomit should I still take her to be checked out

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    • Tina

      Yes take her just in case

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  23. Jasmine

    Hi my 17 month old baby slipped and hit her head on concrete last week and I took her to urgent care right away they told me she was okay but ever since she’s been scratching her head quite a bit should I be worried

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    • Kacee

      No need to worry. She should be fine. Unless she keeps crying she should be fine. Give her some Motrin.

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  24. Amit singh

    My baby age 2.6years and fall down from bed hit head no bleeding no injury,but he is vomiting….what to do

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    • Will Smith

      Idk

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    • Karli

      For future readers… Vomiting (especially more than once) is a sign of a concussion. I would bring my child to the doctor to confirm.

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  25. Jessica

    my 4 yeat old fell 3 days ago at school in the hallway, hes got a bump on his forhead which has since gone down quite a bit, acting normal no changes whatsoever. But today he has vomited once. should i worry?

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    • Lenni Doyel

      Probably unrelated this far after the fact.

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  26. Prachi

    my son is 3 and half year old. He falled down on his back from 12 feet high pillar to sand. He has started crying and had a reddish bump on backside of his head. I put ice over there, he calmed out after 20 min and started doing normal activities. He did not vomit. Do I need to go for city scan ? Is there any serios problem?

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    • Helen

      With a closed head injury , in a child or with anyone , it’s smart to get checked- you don’t have to vomit ; use common sense – 12 feet is a long way to fall… the brain has many sections and is cushioned by fluid. When a child falls , their Brain can get bruised, though this can’t be seen from the outside of the head. A concussion needs to be taken seriously at any age. It’s better to get the child checked than to wait… always take any head injury seriously.

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      • Charlotte

        Good evening. My 3year old boy was pushed from a chair by a class mate and landed on the back of his head (left) with a bump showing. Another hit him on his right Temple with an object (right) with a bump there as well. AL in one day at the Creche. How do I handle this situation and should I take him to a doctor? He doesn’t complain about nausea. He just wants to sleep now.

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    • Lidiya Kazantsev

      Our 16 month old fell and hit the back of his head on cement today at the pool. When I got home I realized his left side (arm and leg) were limp and not working. He couldn’t sit without falling over, couldn’t stand, or crawl. I freaked out and took him to the ER. Once we got there, while waiting, he started getting better noticeably. However, there was still some struggling. Doc came in and asked a bunch of questions but all was well aside from the CT scan. He basically said baby looked okay but let’s do one just in case. We thought about it but then decided against it because he was getting better and better while we were still there at the ER. Has anyone else heard of a whole side going numb/limp?!

      Added:
  27. Caden

    Hi, there’s a 12-year-old child that got head-butted in the temple, and he said it felt like a ram went through the skull. I realized that 1 or more of the symptoms may have been there. Before I forget, I am the child, and I have a painful headache, dizziness, and I feel sick. My leg forces me to use so much energy, that no matter what, I can’t walk correctly, and I feel like I’m about to pass out. Do I dial 9-1-1 or call a hospital?

    Added:
    • LAcey

      Call 911! Tell any adult or your parent what’s going on.

      Added:
  28. Camille

    Hi. I’m not a doctor, so I am not trying to give advise or anything like that. I read your concerns and wondered what advise you were given. I am a mom of two, and my first born is now ten and the other just turned one and is more of a dare devil than the first. He just fell off the bed and I am freaking out!

    Added:
  29. Kathleen Grogan

    My 30 month granddaughter fell and banged her head on side of really hard edge of coffee table. She cried, really screaming, for a few minutes. I put cold water on ear. She was screaming with pain and rarely cries even when falls. She went to sleep shortly after, but it was her usual bedtime. Should she have her ear checked out? Please reply thank you.

    Added:
    • Ravi

      My grandson while sitting on a high chair hit his head on the table The centre portion of the forehead just above the nose got lacerated and a swelling He cried for five mins but after that became normal No bleeding no vomiting Please advise

      Added:
      • Umm

        My 5 month old baby got hit by centre table on forehead area just above nose no bruising just redness over there neither any swelling,he is behaving normally, what should I do now

        Added:
  30. Melissa

    My daughter had a fall down carpet padded stairs 2 days ago. She was fine for the rest of the day and even yesterday. Today however she has vomited twice. Should I be concerned about a head injury, she is showing no other signs or symptoms other than not wanting to eat much but that could be attributed to her having an upset stomach. Any information would help thanks

    Added:
    • Kimberly Stevens

      Yes vomiting is a sign of concussion. You should have her checked out.

      Added:
    • Mel

      Did you end up getting your child checked out in this situation? My son had a similar incident and 2-3 days later became tired and threw up once. We took him to the ER and they said it was a stomach bug. I stayed home with him today and he seems better but still very tired and no fever. Any word on your child would be much appreciated. Thank you.

      Added:
      • Melissa

        Hi Mel yes I brought her to the Dr and thankfully she was fine and had no concussion. She did however have the stomach flu so I was thankful that it wasn’t more to be concerned about.

        Added:
        • Melanie Hess

          Thank you so very much for responding! I did take my son to the ER and they didn’t seem worried… but the more I thought about it, the more I started to get concerned. Your message is making me feel better though, thank you! When you went did they have any concerns that it could be related at all to the head bump or did they rule it out right away? Thank you again for your help!

          Added:
          • Melissa

            My Dr wasn’t concerned at all that it was related to the bump. She wasn’t showing any of signs related to concussion so in her situation I was confident with his assessment. That being said you know your child best and if you’re still concerned that he seems off it’s better to have him checked out again

            Added:
          • Melanie Hess

            Thank you! And thank you for taking the time to write back. It means a lot!

            Added:
  31. Angie

    My already sick 11mos old fell backwards of a bench onto concrete floors . No signs of injury but the following morning he developed a fever . I figured it’s his cold and DR put him on antibiotics since cold has been ongoing for a month. But after 3 days of antibiotics still has a fever of 102 . Could this be a sight of greater head trauma?

    Added:
    • Remi norris

      I would take your kid in right away this is realy concerning

      Added:
  32. Michelle

    My three year old just tipped himself backwards on a high stool at the breakfast bar. He had an immediate knot on the back of his head. He stopped crying almost as soon as I picked him up. He seems ok otherwise. Should I take him to the doctor?

    Added:
    • Kara

      If the next day it starts hurting him very bad, like if he starts crying for over 15 minutes, it may be fine. Feel the knot, gently dont push, and if its bigger than yesterday, you should probably contact a doctor, expert, etc.

      Added:
    • ganes paul

      Yes you should go the doctor aleast because you never know what would happen to the brain

      Added:
  33. Kathy

    My 14 month old son fell while he was in his stroller (the stroller accidentally tipped over) onto our pavement. He was strapped in and didnt fall out but he hit the right side of his forehead. A little “goose egg” appeared but i applied ice and cold cloth over it and the swelling went down pretty quick. He cried for maybe a few minutes after the fall and was okay after that. This was anout 8 hours ago now. He wasnt sleepy or tired after and just fell asleep 6 hours after the fall. Im just concerned about the bump he had. The swelling has really gown down now but there is a bruise. Should i take him to the hospital or call my doctor? He doesnt have much of the symptoms mentioned above and im the type of person to over react to situations and i get paranoid alot. I will continue to check on him every 4 hours tonight but I just want to make sure hes okay. Im a first time parent and hes my miracle baby. I hope someone can help with a reply!!!

    Added:
    • Elizabeth Petry

      Just continue what you doing and keep i on him

      Added:
  34. Zanjee

    This message was extremely helpful!!!
    Thank you

    Added:
  35. Maranda

    Thank you for the information it was very helpful….

    Added:
  36. Marisa

    We were at the park I had to use the restroom and my 10yr old wanted to push the stroller and somehow it tipped over on the concrete walkway… my 6mo old rolled out once it was already to the ground she rolled out. So she didn’t technically fall but 2-3inches. Cried for maybe 1min (I think it just scared her)… she is eating a bottle now and is acting just fine. What would you think just watch for any changes?

    Added:
    • Marisa

      She doesn’t have any bumps,scratches,bruises, or swelling. Slept great last night and is up and playful this morning.

      Added:
  37. Sierra

    My son fell 8 feet at church Sunday and hit his back then his head. He is almost three and is fine no concussion or anything. He only has a small bump and about a 2cm gash but not deep enough for stitches. But he fell lightly on his butt on the sidewalk earlier and he is now complaining about his lower back could this be from his fall Sunday? I brushed my hand all down his back and told him to tell me when it hurts and he only said it hurts in his lower back. Whenever his fell he fell he hit his back by his shoulderblade.

    Added:
    • Jen

      8 feet is a big deal. It’s farther than most adult heights. I would go get him checked asap.

      Added:
  38. Daniel

    Hi. While watching iPad, my daughter fell out of the bed and bumped right side of her head to the stone floor. She immediately sat and started crying. She is 3 years old. I hugged her and she seemed normal to me. She cried a lot, could not talk for a few minutes – maybe because of crying loud -. Anyway, she is acting normal now but it is her bed time. She wants to sleep. Should I wake her up every half hours? Is it okay to let her have her usual sleep with no disturb?

    Added:
    • emily

      if your child hits their head it’s good to bring them to the hospital and see what the hospital says, yes i know i’m a kid but im and advanced cambridge student so it may seem silly giving advice to a mother though putting the child asleep could be dangerous.

      Added:
  39. anita

    Hii, my 9 months baby fell off from bed. He cried for 2 mins. And after that behaving normal. But he did vomitting after 22 hours just now.is there need to worry? Or call to paediatrician. Or its ok?

    Added:
    • Ben

      Hey is ur baby fine now…

      Added:
  40. Naomi Lusk

    Hi my 8 month old rolled off his changing unit while I was bent down getting his pj’s. He fell onto me then onto a stool and then the floor but I think I caught him in time so it wasn’t a hard hit on floor he cried for lituarlly a few seconds then fine he had a lumpn at side of head but sent down within few hours only left bruise hardly seen. He slept fine that night and was normal but the past two nights hes been so restless waking up crying which is unusual for him. I am so scared something’s wrong and I don’t want to leave it in case it is serious. Could this be connected.

    Added:
    • Hi Naomi, thanks for writing in!

      I’m sorry to hear about the fall, that must have been scary for both of you.

      As Dr. Greene writes, “Signals that tell you that you need to talk with your pediatrician after your child hits his head… Crying for longer than 10 minutes or prolonged irritability.”

      Hope that helps,
      Alexandra (caring helper at DrGreene.com, not a doctor)

      Added:
  41. Sabrina

    Hello my 1 years old toddler fell backwards and hit his head on a frying pan and iam bit scared that he might have head problems iam bit worried about my little man

    Added:
    • Trish

      Hi my daughter is 1 years old and fell backward and hit her head on my bed rest immediately she cry for about 5 min,she stop crying she wanted to sleep. Should I be worry.

      Added:
  42. Joaquin

    My son fall when he was sitting down .He fall back …He was cry for a little bit…Them I pick him and he stop crying what should I do next ??!

    Added:
    • Mary Poche

      My daughter fell at school and bumped her head. It has a huge bump

      Added:
  43. meezan

    Hi
    My sister son often hits the wall when he becomes angry. Is it needed to consult psychiatrist?

    Added:
    • Dear Meezan,

      I think it would be wise to talk first with your nephew’s pediatrician. He or she can point you in the best direction.

      Also, Dr. Greene has written a fair amount on the subject of “head banging” on this site. You can run a search on that term to find more information.

      I hope that helps.
      Best, @MsGreene
      Note: I am the co-founder of DrGreene.com, but I am not Dr. Greene and I am not a doctor. Please keep that in mind when reading my comments and replies.

      Added:
      • Hani

        Hi 5days ago 10months baby fall down from food table get hard hit back head it’s bump he crying for 2mints then fell sleepy and once vomiting I go to the hospital for the x-ray doctor say that he got little blod in the head it’s gone step by step. The bump gone already no vomiting and wake but am still worried. Any advice pls

        Added:
    • julia

      If a child is doing anything that causes them any type of physical pain and /or injury i would definetly think there could be a situation that needs to be addressed immediately. At the very least she should ask their pediatrician for his/her’s advice and their recommendation. I Hope all is well & that it’s only a temporary phase tho. God bless you & yours always!!!

      Added:
  44. Van

    My one year old fell in the bathtub and hit his head, it bled a little and then stopped now there is a bump on that spot. He is behaving normally does not seem to have discomfort. Should I take him to ER for evaluation?

    Added:
    • Sara

      My son hit his head on his crib and got a huge knot within seconds. The knot was out.vI took him to the er to make sure he was ok (he’s 21 months and first time parent here). They said to watch him but he was fine. He was act normal. They said they’d be worried if didn’t act normal. Hope this helps.

      Added:
  45. Lisa

    Good evening,
    My son was playing football the other day when he dived into the goal post (like you do) and has a slight bump and bruise on his temple. He’s been complaining of a headache this evening, could this be related?

    Added:
    • Hi Lisa,

      Thanks for writing in.

      Yes, the headaches could be related. It’s probably worth talking with his doctor to find out if tests are advisable.

      Best, @MsGreene
      Note: I am the co-founder of DrGreene.com, but I am not Dr. Greene and I am not a doctor. Please keep that in mind when reading my comments and replies.

      Added:
    • Sonia

      Yes seek medical care immediately. So brain injury can be prevented and minnimized. Most injuries are not fatal and only are fatal when caught way to late
      So nothing much to worry if u seek care now.

      Added:
  46. Bea

    My baby fell to our tiled floor. She’s 2 months old. Should i go to our pedia?

    Added:
    • Bea,

      Thanks for writing in.

      How is your baby doing? Have you talked to her doctor? Are there any changes in her behavior?

      Note: I am the co-founder of DrGreene.com, but I am not Dr. Greene and I am not a doctor. Please keep that in mind when reading my comments and replies.

      Added:
  47. Emelda Nadar

    Hi Friends I m mom of a 2 yrs baby girl
    Today after the lunch done meand my daughter were playing by mistakenly she slips fall down & gets a hit on her back head immediately i picked her up while picking her up she is crying slowl her voice is going down slowly she bending her body inside and fainting when i rub her back for few seconds she starts crying after some hours becoming normal coming to her originality. My q is y for the few seconds she is fainting will there be a serious injury is there anything to treat since this is the second time will this need any precautions plz suggest plz

    Added:
    • Dear Emelda,

      Thanks for writing in.

      Yow is your baby girl? Has she had any changes from her normal behavior? Have you talked to here doctor?

      Concerned, @MsGreene
      Note: I am the co-founder of DrGreene.com, but I am not Dr. Greene and I am not a doctor. Please keep that in mind when reading my comments and replies.

      Added:
  48. Katisha

    Am I a bad mum?
    So I’m a first time mum and my 6 week old son was asleep on the couch and he rolled off the couch a few hours ago.
    I heard the thud then immediately ran and scooped him up, he had landed on his poor little face, he cried for about 3 minutes then seemed okay he doesn’t have any bumps,bruise etc etc but he kept nodding off I’m not sure if its because he bumped his head or because he was still tired.?

    Has recently been feed,bruped,changed and put to sleep but I’m scared to go to sleep just in case something changes during the night. What should I do please someone?

    Added:
    • Katisha,

      No, you’re not a bad mum. But at 6 weeks old, babies start to roll and if they are laid on any surface that doesn’t have sides (such as a crib), they can accidentally roll off. This is especially important when changing diapers (changing tables tend to be very high), but it’s an issue from beds and couches as well. I’m sure from now on you’ll know.

      Dr. Greene says, “If none of these symptoms are present, it is fine to let your child sleep, as long as you wake her every half hour for the first six hours after the fall. After this, awaken her at your bedtime and again four hours later to check on her status. If at any time your child seems to develop a suspicious symptom, call your doctor immediately.”

      I hope that helps.
      Best, @MsGreene
      Note: I am the co-founder of DrGreene.com, but I am not Dr. Greene and I am not a doctor. Please keep that in mind when reading my comments and replies.

      Added:
      • Jasmine

        Hi my name is Jasmine my 2 year old daughter fell down the stairs yesterday trying to carry her bike downstairs she had a dent on her forehead then it swole and have gotten bigger but still with a dent just puffier until this morning it’s down about more than half the size it was I put an Icy towel on it all day yesterday and today but only symptom she’s haveing is more irritability and sleeping wayyy more also hard to wake up not too much but more since the injury is this serious enough to take her to the er for ? Can it be more serious with just her sleeping symptom ???

        Added:
  49. Elizabeth Joan Abueva

    My son was 11months old back then. It happened last Oct. 2016 and I’m still worried right now. He fell on a one step stair in our front door. His forehead bump on the floor first and then lay down on his back head, (it looks like he tumbling on the floor) . His forehead has a green mark. I did not let him sleep for about 30 minutes. It happened in the evening. And he seems okay after he fell but the next morning , around 4am . He cried a lot and he is very hot. He has a fever. I am not aware of the symptoms that very moment because the day before he fell he already has a fever on the morning and it was gone in the evening already before he bump his head. It continued for about 3days. He always has a fever on the morning but gone every afternoon. I always remembered that incident until now that I was already aware of the symptoms. I am really scared that it will has an effect on his brain when he grow up.

    Added:
    • Elizabeth Joan Abueva

      Addition to that. He is a child that always vomit. That’s why I thought that it was just normal. He doesn’t feel uneasy or tired but he is more irritable than usual. He always cried(shouting) seems like he has a bad feeling on his body. Maybe his head is aching….
      Right now he is normal, and very active child. But his head always bump on the tile because od too much playing that you cannot stop him. But he didn’t have any bruises and feel dizzy, no fever, and not vomitting. But I was afraid that in the future he might have problem because of that (like having speech or language problem , or hearing problem)

      Added:
  50. Harriet Sutta

    My 26 months old son hit his forehead on the 8th January 2017. He cried for about 30 minutes and complained he was in pain. I calmed him down and he slept.

    Since then whenever he cries he complains that his eyes are painfull and he rubs them and sometimes asks me to do it for him.

    Should I call a doctor. ?

    Added:
    • Ugesh

      Hi, I my point of view, I think you should see a doctor of this symptoms continues.

      Added:
  51. Edith

    18 month old fell hit back of head, started like seizing and kind of like dozed off, and threw up right away, i called the ambulance and took him to the ER, i am so scared and nervous :'(

    Added:
    • Erin

      Is your sweet baby ok?

      Added:
  52. Danil vw

    This article helped me a lot. My daughter ran into the wall and got a nasty little bump right above her Temple she seems fine so I just wanted to do some research and this article helped me out a lot thank you

    Added:
  53. Amy

    I am living in China with very hard marble floors in our apartment. My 15 month old started walking about a month ago and is still quite wobbly. Even when she was crawling she hit her head on the floor several times because it was slippery. Even with foam pads on the floor she still manages to find the areas with no padding and hit her head. A couple of days ago she fell and hit her head hard leaving a huge goose egg and bruise on one side of her forehead. She cried reasonably hard as characteristic for her with injuries, but was consoled and went on being happy self. The next morning she fell AGAIN and hit the OTHER side of her forehead, now sporting one giant goose egg and bruise on either side of her forehead. Not even 8 hours later she slipped on a toy and fell backwards and hit the back of her head. Aside from feeling like I need to pad my entire apartment, I don’t know what to do. We went to bed around 9:30 and she woke up at 2 am vomiting. We jumped up and doctored her and cleaned up, then laid down again only to have her vomit again 10 minutes later. We walked a mile to the hospital at 2 am and struggled through a translation app on our phones to explain and figure out if it could be a concussion. She had NO other symptoms: no loose stools, no fever, nothing. They did an ultrasound of her stomach as she kept vomiting over the course of three hours at the hospital and checked her pupils but otherwise, they did not think she had a concussion. I am still shaken over her three falls in 24 hours and I’m very worried about her little head! Is this going to do permanent damage?? She stopped vomiting after three hours and has been ok since but I am worried. I guess I just want some kind of information that I could use to do something for her or something to ease my mind. Please help.

    Added:
    • Amy,

      Most toddlers go through the “falling frequently” stage fairly quickly. Do you have an option to stay with family or friends who do not have marble floors for the next few weeks?

      I personally fell on a marble floor and hit my head, so I know how hard they are. A carpeted wood floor is much different and would be a good solution for her.

      As for permanent damage, I can not tell you, but it’s a very good sign that the doctors at the hospital didn’t find a concussion.

      @MsGreene
      Co-founder & Executive Producer DrGreene.com, Mom
      Note: Not Dr. Greene, not a doctor. Keep that in mind when reading my comments and replies.

      Added:
  54. Sarah burke

    My 3 month old slipped from my arms when i was her she bumped her head on the floor, and cried very hard afterwards.
    I held her she was shaking from the fright she got she fell asleep after a while or so.
    This happened around 2:30pm and she is sort of waking up now.
    I don’t whether I should bring her to the hospital or not although she does have a little bump in her head and tends to hurt when i try to hold her.
    I would like response ASAP please.
    Thank You 😊

    Added:
    • Sadia

      How is baby now .

      Added:
    • Kayla rodriquez

      My LO feel today from my hands i went to go take a shower and she slip from my hand and hit herself very hard she cried but after a while she calm down and was her happy self

      Added:
  55. suman kumar saram

    Excellent

    Added:
  56. Linda Perez

    Hi my 16 month old hit his forhead on a brick fireplace tonight. He has a bump with a bruise he also has a small dent above the bump slightly over he has a small deep cut it has stop bleeding and he was not dazed or loss conscision he did cry hard.he has been acting normal talking normal and walking normal since then. Since it is late he has gone to sleep for the night this happen at about 9:30pm and he fell asleep at 10:15pm. I know i have to wake him every hour for the next 6 hours my problem is my son is a hard sleeper and doesnt wake very easily how will i be able to tell if he is ok? Should i take him to the emergancy room?

    Added:
    • Hi Linda,

      So sorry we weren’t able to get back to you last night. I hope you made it without incidence.

      One thing of note, if your son’s cut is over bone, he will likely need stitches even if it is small. Typically cuts on the face that are over bone (forehead, jaw, orbital, mouth) are very deep. Cuts in the fleshy areas, such as cheeks and lips, may or may not need stitches.

      If you can, stitches on the face are best done by a pediatric plastic surgeon.

      Best,
      @MsGreene

      Added:
  57. Timmie

    My 2 year okd banged her head 2 days ago we went to the hospital an sed she was fone then ghe next day we went to a play area she fell over an bit her lip but landed on her front she was ok after i calmed her dwn an then the next day at 6 am she wakes being sik smelling like offf apple juice but she not drank no apple juice jus wonder if could b serious she duz seem fine now tho rousing her is fine

    Added:
    • Khadija

      Hi my 18 month old son was on a fairly high table and fell backwards I heard a loud thump and rushed to see he has no bruises or bumps he has fallen really hard many times before just2 hours ago my 7 year old daughter dropped him and he was crying for 5 minutes I don’t know what to do and I feel so guilty he is now asleep

      Added:
  58. Janet

    My 7 months old baby boy hit his forehead on a hard surface, cried for about 3 to 5 minutes and stopped, I gave him baby Tylenol and fed him then he slept off. No bruises, no swelling, but am concern, do I have anything to worry about.

    Added:
    • Janet,

      It doesn’t sound like your child has any of the criteria Dr. Greene listed above for when to see a doctor if your child hits his head and is (or has):

          Under six months of age
          Unconscious, even briefly
          Crying for longer than 10 minutes or prolonged irritability
          Vomiting repeatedly
          Bleeding or other liquid draining from the ears, mouth, or nose
          Rapid swelling just above the ear
          Bruising around the ear or eye
          Unable to walk or talk normally
          Acting strangely or drowsy
          Unequal pupil size
          Severe, worsening headache
          Neck pain or stiffness
          Seizures
          Skull indentation or large bump
          Great force of injury (car accident, long fall, baseball bat, etc.)
          Worsening symptoms or symptoms improve then worsen

      I think the thing that would be a reason for you to be concerned is worsening symptoms or symptoms improve then worsen.

      Best,
      @MsGreene
      Co-founder & Executive Producer DrGreene.com, Mom

      Added:
    • Mindy

      Ive had the same situation except my 6 year old was walking outside with me and i thought he was right behind me so i let go of the netal screen door and it hit him slightly hit him in back of his head when closing the main door. However cryed for 3 minuted was normal after 6:30 pm is when it happened. And throught the rest of the night he was himself. No bump no mark. But im also a first time mom and worry alot. With him having no mark on him and him hard to wake up the next morning, acting normal when he got home from school. SHOULD I WORRY. Like the hard getting up could that be him staying up playing on his tablet late too?

      Added:
  59. Lucy

    This was awesome and clear
    Thank you :)

    Added:
  60. Naomi

    My 19 mo old daughter threw her head back and hit it on the end of the entertainment center about an hour ago, throwing a fit. She cried for about 2 min and there was no bump nothing. We all sat down ate dinner and when I went to get her out of her booster I noticed what I thought was food on the back of her head. It was blood and there is a 1/2 in gash where she hit her head. She is acting fine. Ate all her dinner and is playing. Should I bring her to the ER?

    Added:
    • Naomi,

      Sorry it’s taken this long to get back to you. All our comments are moderated (to prevent Spam and trolling). As such, we’re not a good resource for questions of an immediate nature.

      How did this turn out? How is your daughter now? Did you take her to the ER?

      Best,
      @MsGreene
      Co-founder & Executive Producer DrGreene.com, Mom

      Added:
  61. Kimberly S. Novinska

    My 2 year old grandson fell backwards and hit his head on a concrete step. His mom gave him baby Tylenol, now they can’t wake him up. What should they do?

    Added:
    • Kimberly,

      I’m very sorry it’s taken this long to get back to you. All our comments are moderated (to prevent Spam and trolling). As such, we’re not a good resource for questions that need an immediate answer. I hope you took your grandson to the ER.

      Do let us know how it turned out.

      Best,
      @MsGreene
      Co-founder & Executive Producer DrGreene.com, Mom

      Added:
    • Mike

      Bloody hell taken him to the hospital

      Added:
  62. Maryam

    My 11 month baby was siting and he hit his head in the floor he vomit once and cry for five minuts after that he his pump in his head after few days I noticed that his eyebrows move up and down and his eyes look like he focus on some thing that take second he is ding like befor hiting himself I really worry

    Added:
    • Maryam,

      As a mother, your concerns are worth listening to. Have you shared them with your son’s pediatrician?

      Best,
      @MsGreene
      Co-founder & Executive Producer DrGreene.com, Mom
      Note: Not Dr. Greene, not a doctor. Keep that in mind when reading my comments and replies.

      Added:
      • Maryam

        Not yet may be I will go today but I wanna know if that normal or no

        Added:
  63. Natasha

    well my son is 5 years old and he was playing today and he was hiding under a wooden table and got.up really fast and hit the upper front top of his head/forehead and he was fine at first but it did swell a bit. but before bedtime he was complaining of how much his head hurts and he was whiney and crying a bit but I comforted him and put him to bed. he fell asleep and maybe 2 hours later he wakes up with a bad dream and that his head hurts. I’m concerned that it was a hard hit but I known I always freak out and get scared so I’m just here trying to figure out what to do ?
    sincerely first time mom.

    Added:
    • Natasha

      he’s asleep again but I’m really concerned but I might be over thinking.

      Added:
  64. Karlee Mccann

    Hello my name is karlee
    My daughter ran into the bathroom door knoob and cried for 2 seconds but instantly had a big gooseegg. Then today 5:00pm the bump looks as if it is getting bigger.
    But shes been her normal self running around playing all smiles .
    But its just scary me bcause of thr bump . to mee it looks as if it is getting bigger . . .

    Added:
    • Karlee,

      Small bumps from running into things are common in children. Usually, the lumps resolve on their own. Large bumps, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, such as repeated vomiting, may be reason for concern.

      Be sure to keep a closer than normal eye on your daughter to see if she develops any of the other symptoms on Dr. Greene’s list above and listen to your mother’s intuition. If you feel “she isn’t herself”, it’s great to have her checked out by her doctor.

      Best,
      @MsGreene
      Co-founder & Executive Producer DrGreene.com, Mom

      Added:
  65. Bes

    My son (23mnths) tried to stand on a ball and fell on the concrete floor hitting the side of his head. He cried for about a minute or two. He has a bump the size of a marble and bled a little- he is acting normal and is eating fine. Should I be worried ? This all happened while I was at work so I’m a bit afraid as he has never fell on his head before.

    Added:
    • Bes,

      What an adorable age and very appropriate to experiment with things like standing on a ball.

      Small lumps and bumps from falls (especially from a low height) are common in children and typically resolve on their own. Large bumps, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, such as repeated vomiting, may be reason for concern.

      Be sure to keep a closer than normal eye on your son to see if he develops any of the other symptoms on Dr. Greene’s list above and listen to your mother’s intuition. If you feel “he isn’t himself”, it’s great to have him checked.

      Best,
      @MsGreene
      Co-founder & Executive Producer DrGreene.com, Mom

      Added:
  66. Shawn

    My daughter is 22 months and she fell off the bed 2 nights ago in the middle of the night. I heard a thud but I’m not sure if that was just her head or me hearing her fall period. She cried for a short minute, calmed down and everything was fine. Since then she’s been totally fine and her normal self, but as I was doing her hair the other day, I noticed she has a knot of the lower right side of her head!!! Idk if it’s maybe from putting hair balls too tight or from her falling! If the know is from the fall, should I take her to the doctor still if she has no other symptoms? I just thought a knot on the BACK of head was a bit weird.

    Added:
    • Shawn,

      Glad your daughter seems totally fine and “herself”. I bet she’s adorable in her ponytails.

      In childhood, small bumps from falls are common. They typically resolve on their own.

      Large bumps, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, such as the ones Dr. Greene lists above, may be reason for concern.

      I hope that’s helpful.

      Best,
      @MsGreene
      Co-founder & Executive Producer DrGreene.com, Mom
      Note: Not Dr. Greene, not a doctor. Keep that in mind when reading my comments and replies.

      Added:
  67. Anita

    My 17month old son banged the back of his head on the table and a large bump appeared straight away but he is acting normal and active should I be worried?

    Added:
    • Anita,

      Small bumps from falls are common in children and typically resolve on their own. Large bumps, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, such as repeated vomiting, may be reason for concern.

      Be sure to keep a closer than normal eye on your son to see if he develops any of the other symptoms on Dr. Greene’s list above and listen to your mother’s intuition. If you feel “he isn’t himself”, it’s great to have him checked.

      Best,
      @MsGreene

      Added:
      • Anita

        Thanks for your advice Dr.Green he has been absolutely normal with no other signs of symptoms but he has a blood line on the bump is that something to be concerned about? Could it be internal bleeding?

        Added:
  68. Amanda Wilson

    Dr Greene, my 7 months and 3weeks old baby fell off our bed and has been sort of weak. He has vomitted two times already which i cant tell if its due to overfeeding or discomfort. After 20 mins,he became active again but im worried and pray he doesnt have an internal injury.This is his second time falling off our bed.

    Added:
    • Hi Amanda,

      I’m not a doctor, but as a mom I would at least call my child’s doctor. He’s very close to the six month cut off, this is his second fall, and he did just vomit.

      Better safe than sorry.

      @MsGreene

      Added:
  69. Alicia Morris

    hi Dr.Avia

    My son is 11 months he hit his head but I have carpet he didnt cry but 45mis to a hour after hitting his head he vomit twice is that normal

    Added:
    • Alicia,

      It’s not uncommon for kids to vomit after a head injury, even a minor one.

      In general, if kids vomit once, but don’t show other signs, it’s not a reason to rush to the ER, but it’s a good idea to keep an extra watch over them for the next several hours. If vomiting continues, it’s time for a visit to the doctor if it’s during regular hours or the ER if your doctor is unavailable.

      Hope that helps,
      @MsGreene

      Added:
  70. Mrs. Avila

    my 2 year old son hit his head on the cover of the table and than fell on the floor. now he has a bump on his left side of the forehead above his eyebrow. he is behaving fine and normal as usual. should I be worried?

    Added:
    • Mrs. Avila,

      Bumps and bruises are part of growing up. From what you’ve described, your son isn’t showing any of the symptoms Dr. Greene outlines above for when to call the doctor, still it’s important that you follow your intuition. If you think it’s time to call the doctor, by all means call.

      Best,
      @MsGreene

      Added:
  71. Jessica

    My 14 month old son fell off of the toilet and hit his head so hard it left a really huge egg on his forehead, he did not cry more than 2 or 3 minutes and acts and walks normally but a few hours later I noticed a clear liquid kinda like snot was dripping from his nose. Do I need to take him to the ER?

    Added:
    • Jessica,

      Poor little guy.

      Keep an eye on him, but he doesn’t appear to have any of the warning signs Dr. Greene outlines above.

      @MsGreene

      Added:
  72. Leena

    I am in Greece visiting family. My 11 month old daughter pulled on a hose in the sink and a small cement weight (a pound maybe, maybe less?) that was attached came out and hit her on top of her head. She cried a lot. I am noticing an egg on the top of her head towards the front. She is asleep now. Is this something I should bring her to the ER for?

    Added:
    • Leena,

      Crying for longer than 10 minutes is in the guidlelines for being checked after a head bonk.

      When it comes to the head, better safe than sorry.

      Best,
      @MsGreene

      Added:
  73. Rochelle Jackson

    My 3 year old son fell off a bounce house onto concrete & hit the top back part of his head & started bleeding out of his nose & mouth. His scalp is a little red ish where he hit. We cleaned him up & had him swish & spit till the blood was gone. No sign of any cuts around his nose or mouth. He is acting normal. No sign of dizziness, he follows my fingers with his eyes. Should I still take him into the doctor?

    Added:
    • Rochelle,

      A head bonk on concrete is worth getting checked out. At this point it’s likely that you’ve already gone to the ER if you had serious concerns. If you haven’t gone yet, an urgent care clinic would be a fine place to take him today.

      Best,
      @MsGreene

      Added:
  74. Patricia

    My son hit he’s head two day ago now he’s throw up diarrheaing and has a lump rite next to he’s ear

    Added:
    • Patricia,

      I hope this has resolved, but if it has not, when a child hits the head and is throwing up, has diarrhea, and has a lump where the head was hit, it’s wise to get it checked out.

      Best,
      @MsGreene

      Added:
  75. Grayson

    My daughter was playing and fall pretty hard off the back of the couch she was breathing but knock out I grab her and she woke up she was fine after playing doing the usually but today she threw up 3 times but hours apart just wanna know should I panic and rush her to a hostipal or just make and appointed like now she is her normal self she is 6 yrs old

    Added:
    • Dyluv

      my eight year old sister hit her head against a wall,it has been
      three days now and she has been feeling very hot.she’s got a swelling on the back of her right eye should we be worried very much about that

      Added:
      • Dyluv,

        I’m not sure what you mean by swelling on the back of her right eye, but that sounds like she should see a doctor. You don’t want to miss something that’s treatable.

        Best,
        @MsGreene

        Added:
  76. kirsty

    my 21months old fell off and hit the back of his head on the gym tile floor when he was standing on the sit . he cried about 4,5mins. he seems fine but I’m …..worried, should he be seen by doctor or go to a children’s emergency hospital?

    Added:
    • Tracy

      My daughter is 10 and was running and hit the side of her head on the corner of the wall and feel to the floor screaming and a large lump has come up where she hit the head I’ve put a cold compress on it not sure if she get her checked out .

      Added:
      • Tracy,

        Per Dr. Greene, “If you daughter has been crying for longer than 10 minutes or prolonged irritability, or rapid swelling just above the ear, or bruising around the ear or eye, it’s time to see a doctor.” Those are not the only reasons to call the doctor, but you didn’t mention vomiting, loss of consciousness, or other symptoms.

        I hope that’s helpful,
        @MsGreene

        Added:
  77. Darla

    My two year old fell in the bath tub. Crude like hell but just for a minute or two. Here we are two days later and he had had the chills and fever. What should I do? Are the two a sign of something serious.

    Added:
    • Arelis

      Hi Darla,

      Did you find out if the two instances were related? My 1 and 1/2 yr old bumped his head and is now running a fever and am worried the two are related.

      Added:
  78. INDHUMATHI

    My Five years old son fell down last week. He hit his Forehead. I immediately put an ice on his Forehead. But that swelling not reduce till ten days..I’m worried what I have to do? Please guide me

    Added:
    • Shawn

      My 6 year son fell at the sprinklers and hit his head on the concrete statue. He has a lump on the back of his head.

      Added:
  79. Sounds like it would be wise to see a doctor. He or she may tell you everything is fine, but you may have a broken nose or concussion. It’s worth getting checked out so you’ll know for sure.

    @MsGreene
    Co-founder & Executive Producer, DrGreene.com

    Added:
  80. Kenia

    My 3 month old daughter’s head slipped off my bed while i was holding her feet to change her she hit her head and she didn’t cry I didn’t let her sleep for half an hour and when she woked up from her nap she was very fussy and kept on crying , she has no bumps nor bruises but im still worried ?

    Added:
    • Laura

      Im no dr but i would go cjz babies heads arent as hard as older kids amd arent even closed fully yet, theyre much softer, so she could injure herself easier. Id take to dr of course! I wouldnt wait. But im not a dr, i just wohldnt take the chamces. Neyyer to be safd then sorry

      Added:
      • Trina

        This is false. Since babies heads aren’t as hard it means they won’t be injured as quickly. Smh

        Added:
  81. Ayesha

    Hi
    My 9 month old fell of the bed back words she fell into a tub i have wear i keep her milk bottles n flask over night
    She cried for a few minute
    When i checked her over she has a little bump in her scalp and in 2 places there is red blood like marks but its not actually bleeding
    What should i do
    Am so scared

    Added:
    • Jess

      Could be a hematoma. I would go to be safe.

      Added:
  82. Nitu

    Hi. My daughter is 9 months old. She fell off from the sofa in the morning. She cried for 1 minute and did vomit. She was feeling a bit sleepy too. After that she was ok. But in the night around 10 pm she vomit again then fell asleep. Then she vomit around 12 , then 2am and just now at 4:30am. Is that can be because of the fall. Do I need to see a doctor

    Added:
    • Kaylee

      Yes, you should see a doctor. Vomiting after head injur can be a sign of a hematoma.

      Added:
    • Ethan J

      Yes acutally, seek it fast. If they vomit over once it’s a sign that somethings bad.Im not a doctor but I recently bumped my head on my table. no I don’t have a knot but it hurts like a little with a mild headache. your child should go to the emergency room

      Added:
  83. Jean

    Hi doctor,
    My son was sled in the concrete Floor last 10 days ago, his right sude if the head. he cried be very hard and holding his breath and in the morning, i noticed a red patch below the right ear and after I took him a bath many red dots showing in his lower legs and after 2 days, the red dots wasa develop going up to his legs and arms like petechiae cause when I pressed them didn’t go away the dots.. I’m worried if his head was injured and develop hematoma someday when he grow up. I hope no.. when he watch cartoon vedio, he scared now sometimes. he don’t have fever

    Added:
    • Anon

      Take him to the ER if you haven’t already.
      Especially if he still has symptoms.

      Added:
  84. Chris

    My son fell from the kitchen table when my parents were changing him. This was about 6 months ago and he seems fine but…. He’s now 2 and still not walking, he used to say bye bye, hello and babble a lot. He does none of that now. He’s happy enough but I can’t help thinking something else is going on.

    Added:
    • When a child stops doing things like babbling and doesn’t learn new things, it’s wise to have a doctor do a physical exam. There may not be an issue, but getting it checked now may avoid issues later.

      Hope that helps,
      @MsGreene
      Co-founder & Executive Producer, DrGreene.com

      Added:
  85. Bright

    Goodmorning DrGreene, thanks for this helpful and very educating post. I was involved in a fight on 12 of april between 9am and 10am, In the process my head hits against the floor(german floor,to be specific),i.e the right side of my head, just above my right ear preciselly, when I got up immedaitely, I noticed I could hardly remember what date it was, and the memories of things I did the previous day started reocurring, but they weren’t vivid, I was very consious though. I knew I was involved in a fight but could not remember vividly, the fight process. Then I knew immediatelly that my brain is been affected, so Immediatelly pick up my phone check what the date was and called someone just to be sure that I still can communicate effectivelly. After about 1hr everything can back to normal, but what I’m concerned about now is that area of my head is swollen, I’ve applied balm & compress that area for some time same day and after, the swell though have reduced a bit, but is still there and am scared of it being permanent, pls what can I do to get rid of this swell.
    I wait eargerlly for your reply Dr.
    Thanks

    Added:
    • Hi Bright,

      That sounds painful and frightening. It sounds like you should see a doctor and get it checked. He or she may want to do a head CT to rule out injuries that can’t be seen from a physical exam.

      Best,
      @MsGreene

      Added:
  86. Rusha Elsmani

    Hi..my 1 year 3 month baby fell down from the bed..when i come i found him fell on his face..his nose had some drops of blood and his mouth gum as well..i washed them and apply an ice gently . ..after that he do not want to sleep..he act normal..eat ..drink and play ..but after 6 hours i took him to bed as he appear so sleepy…when i put him on bed as usual he stat crying strangly…continuous for more than 15 min ..i took him to the ER they saw his nose and the doctor said he is ok just give me a pain killer and nasal drops as he had blockage…i brought him back home and again he starts to cry same like the previous one…what could be the cause ?? I am so worried that he has brain damage or skulk fracture or serious thing …what i should do…please help me .thanks

    Added:
    • Maya

      Hey Rusha, I think your baby ia crying because he is associating the bed with the pain from falling. You might want to put him to sleep in a different room or place for some time until he calms down

      Added:
    • Tamikko wright

      My son was playing basketball with another child they bumped heads and my son has a big knot on his head. I put ice on it and it went down. Hours later he went to play outside and the knot cam back on his head. What do I do

      Added:
      • Dandelionsinthewind?

        He might of hit his head again
        I would see a doctor as ice should take down any knots but it could be showing a sign of something more internal inside your sons head

        Added:
  87. Shauna

    Hi my 15 month old son and my 6 Year old daughter were playing on my rolling chair I use at my desk at home. Some how the chair fell over with him and according to my daughter he hit his head and back on the tiles floor. I rush over when I heard the loud bang and he cried out. I checked him out his head back and the rest of his body. I watched for swellings and fluid leaking but nothing thank God. It has been a week now and I notice everytime I went to change his diaper and had to lay him on him back he would jump or try to hold on to my hands before I lay him down I so scared something is wrong should I take him to the ER. Please help

    Added:
    • Elena

      Maybe his back hurts from the fall. Just remember it’s like when we have a bruise, he probably doesn’t know how to explain it. Try ice pack or little exercises to make sure everything is fine. If not, I would probably make an appointment to get him looked at!

      Added:
  88. Aisling

    Hi my daughter fell off her bike she went over the handle bars onto concrete irresponsibly of me she wasnt wearing a helmet ? she was stunned afterwards and didnt cry there was blood on her head and coming from her nose as she would have hit her face to i rushed her straight to hospital were she had paper stitches put in her forehead its been a week thankfully she hasnt been getting headaches or anything but im still so worried as i taught such a hard fall would have required a ct scan? They done all tests on her eyes reflexes blood pressure temp ect but im still concerned anyone any advise tia

    Added:
    • Heather

      Hi, as a child i hit my head, I had brain fluid and blood coming from my right ear. I hit the right side of my head, I had brain surgery and a subdural hematoma removed. Keep an eye on her. Brain injuries are hard to diagnose sometimes.

      Added:
      • Pablo

        Do you have any secuels now?

        Added:
      • Pablo

        How did you hit your head?

        Added:
  89. joe

    Our 11 months old son fell from our 2feet and 2 inches bed at 1:30 a.m. early morning. Carpet floor. He hit his head first. Left forehead. Now his left forehead is red, it’s like dotted redness. Must be the impact from the carpet floor. He cried for about a minute and stopped once my wife start breastfeeding him. We played with him for about 30 minutes to see his behavior, it was normal. No signs of other bad signs. Just the redness on his left forehead. Other than that, he was back to his old self before the fall. We checked his temperature at 2 a.m. and it was 99.1. Even though, no bad signs shown, im still worried if i should take him to ER or hospital, what do you think doctor? I will wait for your respond, thank you.

    Added:
    • Jayeth

      Hi Joe
      How is your son now?.. this same incident happened to my son on the same date and time..and he is 11 months old…I have not taken him to ER or hospital…he seems fine except when I lift him and put him down somewhere. …he starts crying immediately for a minute and then stops. This worries me as I do not know if he is crying out of pain in his body or he wants me to lift him again.

      Added:
  90. Norelyn

    My son is 11 months old and he bump his left side head on the steal window after 4hours he vomited and got his fever and in the morning he vomit again a yellow liquid. Should I take him to CT scan?? I’m so worried..

    Added:
    • Mummyof2

      Yes most definitely get him checked out. When my son was 13months old he accidently fell down our stairs. (The dog pushed the baby gate open). He had a red mark on his forehead and was crying for 10 minutes then stopped. He began playing as normal/ slept/ ate /drink as normal. I observed him closely he was fine. The next evening his head swelled like a sponge. I rushed him to A&E and he had a fractured skull. Luckily he was ok and made a full recovery… But me and Daddy were intergated with questions/ we was run through social services system. It was the worst experience we have gone through as parents. I just of wished I’d of taken him to get him checked out.

      Added:
    • emma

      yes you should bring him immediately

      Added:
  91. Kia

    Hi! I fainted last last week. I’d hit my right side of my head on the floor but dont experienced any symptoms. But sometimes the right side of my head and my right eye was in pain? What do you think? I’ll wait for your response. Thanks a lot.

    Added:
    • Kia

      P.S
      I’m 19 yrs. Old

      Added:
    • If you lose consciousness and hit your head, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.

      Added:
  92. Concerned Mom

    My 7 year old daughter fell off her bike today and hit her head. I did not find out until I came home from work, but she said shortly after hitting her head she couldn’t see clearly. She threw up twice and has been complaining of a headache. Right now she’s resting, I’m a little worried and not sure if I should take her to the ER or wait until the morning and call her pediatrician.

    Added:
    • Dear Concerned,

      Sounds like a trip to the doctor is in order. Hope there’s no concussion, but if there is, you want to know.

      Best,
      @MsGreene

      Added:
  93. lori

    Hi my son is 3 years old! Him and my 7 year old were outside playing. My 7yr old threw a large stone rock and hit my 3yr old in the face directly under his right eye. It immediately started swelling and bleeding, turning black, has a huge hard knot! My 3yr old cried for about 5 minutes, came inside and asked to lay down and go to sleep! He is currently sleeping holding his face!

    Should he be sleeping or does he need to stay awake? And should I take him to the ER or call his dr? The knot is huge and is worrying me!

    Please help thanks.

    Added:
    • Mani

      Is he well now? Coz my biece just bang her head in the door though very light but she vomited hours later have stomach pain and the second day she got head claiming that her neck hurts. Should i contact the doctor or observe her even more? Thanks

      Added:
      • Sounds like you’re worried and that’s always a good sign that you should take action. Listen to your heart.

        Added:
  94. k

    My 2yr old fell back wards down the stairs banged the side of his head now he has a temp an sleepy is that normal?? Does he need a dr??

    Added:
    • Concerned Mom

      As a Mom I would definitely take him to the ER just to be on the safe side, because he’s running a temp after a head injury.

      Added:
  95. Nadiyah

    My 3 year old son fell from the table head first on tile floor he didnt move at first then i picked him up & started talking to him he was for atleast 10 seconds unconcious & blue, then he tried to open his eyes & it rolled & he got pale in his face. He has dark purple colour round his eyes. His heart beat is irregular 2 beats then stops & again 2 beats then stops. Should i rush him to emergency?

    Added:
    • Nadiyah,

      I hope you followed your instincts and took your son to the ER. If you did not, it would be good to have him checked by a doctor today.

      Wishing you all the best,

      @MsGreene

      Added:
      • Jeremiah

        That had to be a troll.

        Added:
    • Esmie

      Yeeeesssss!!!!!! Can you update on his status please.

      Added:
    • Casey

      Oh my goodness!!! Yes! You should’ve taken him to the ER!

      Added:
  96. Mar

    My 10 year old slipped and hit his now his vomited 1time

    Added:
  97. Paula C. Smith

    Our almost 3 year old grand daughter had been running and slipped on the wood floor and fell, hitting the back of her head very hard. She immediately started to cry. I held her maybe a couple of minutes and she stopped cry, I wiped her tears and her nose and she got down and has been playing. I wonder, how long should I wait to let her go to sleep?

    Added:
    • Joel

      HI my baby had the exact same fall….how was your baby after the fall was she okay… Did you have to take her to the emergency???

      Added:
  98. Liz

    My 15 month old fell off the dinner table chair and fell back first before I could catch her the back of her head hit 1st hard. She cried a couple min and seems fine talks and walks fine but I’m concerned anyways should I have her looked at? Thank you

    Added:
    • kim

      My daughter just fell backwards off the sofa and hit the back of her head but not sure weather I should get her looked at or not too she seems fine and cried straight away and there isn’t really a bump but I just panic x

      Added:
  99. Ania

    Hi,
    my sister is worried about her eight year old and her constant headaches, this one has lasted already a couple of weaks, she woke up crying today, the poor thing. My sister has been told that she has no infections, my niece will be going in for MRI in a couple of days. Could it be migraines, but at a such a young age?
    Thanks

    Added:
    • Testing is needed to get to the bottom of this. It’s great that she’s going for an MRI.

      Best,
      @MsGreene

      Added:
    • Alaina

      Hi Ania,

      It’s best if she goes to the Dr. My little sister was about the same age and she kept complaining about having a headache. We thought she just wanted attention so we never really worried until she started complaining more and more. We took her in and her Dr. Referd her to get a MRI the same day. Later that day we received a call to take her into the emergency we later found out she had bleeding in her brain and it was unknown how or where it was coming from. She was in the hospital for about a week. They were gonna schedule her for surgery so we had out minister come in and pray , believe it or not the next day before surgery they ran another MRI and the bleeding was gone. I believe God answers prayer. I hope everything goes well for niece . She will be in my prayers.

      Added:
      • Jackie

        Amen!!!!!

        Added:
      • Greta

        Amen God all powerful your out Healer

        Added:
    • Audrian

      Migraines can start at any age. I was told I have cluster migraines at age 5.

      Added:
    • Esmie

      Yes. Mine has them he’s 4?

      Added:
  100. britta

    My baby now 11 months.he fall down from bed Sunday.it was very hard.and my bed is so high.he cried for long time.he fall down at 6 pm and at 11 i noticed his heads right side swelled.it’s a big space from swelled.he act and play normally.he didn’t vomit.but he crying most of the time and don’t take his right side for breastfeeding time.should i worried?what should I do?

    Added:
    • Marty

      Take him to the ER Now

      Added:
  101. Gabrielle

    Hi,
    My 8 year old brother bumped his head on the doorknob hardly this day and he has a tumor beside his eyebrows and above his Eye which is his head. He acts normal but could there be a posibility that he can have a serious condition?

    Added:
    • Do you mean he has a bump on his forehead? Or does he have a pre-existing diagnosis or other condition before he hit his head?

      Added:
  102. justine

    My 8month old son fell on a sunday hard on the back of his head then he was fine but the evening he started vomiting till past 11 an was restless the whole night so we took him in for a ct scan the monday then the tuesday he fell down hard from 12steps do I take him to the dr cause his playing an acting normally

    Added:
    • 12 steps is a pretty long way to fall. It’s probably wise to take him in again.

      I hope that helps,
      @MsGreene

      Added:
  103. satish

    Hi,

    My son was normal till 2 years and he fall down one time between bed and a wall and after some days, his behavior started changing and when we check with doctors, they concluded that he is having ADHD with hyper active and internal seizures.

    He is now going to ABA therapy, taking medicine to reduce hyper activity. Recently, we got Seizures report which came as normal but his behavior still not changed and from recent observation, he is putting his hand some times on back side of his head and he is unable to express what is his problem as he don’t speak. He completed 4 years now.

    Please suggest, Is it normal behavior or should I need to go for any urgent check ups..

    Thanks,
    Satish

    Added:
    • Vee

      That sounds strange. Maybe see your doctor and request a cat scan or MRI. I’m not a doctor but I am a parent and I would be very curious about children’s behavior.

      Added:
    • Esmie

      Yes I think you should request a M.R.I. my son is 4 yrs old and speaks a lot..

      Added:
  104. Christina

    I was changing the baby’s diaper when I saw my 3 year old climbing on top of the kitchen table. I told her to get off right away and she did. While I finished changing the baby I heard a loud thud and found my 3 year old on her back. She had climbed on top of the table and fell on her bak. She says the back of her head hurts a lot. She is always falling down everywhere

    Added:
    • Katy

      My 2 month old sister fell. my mom was carrying her and she tripped on step and we are pretty sure she hit the back of her head because she cried for about 5 minutes but I feel really scared because she is so little we don’t see any numb but she is feeling sleepy and we aren’t sure what to do should we call a doctor, bring her to the Ed, or should we just wait it out, please comment if you think you know what to do

      Added:
  105. Kimberly

    My 2.5yr old daughter was standing on the couch and fell. Hit the side of her head just above her ear on the window sill. There’s no board or framing….just the plain corner edge….so i feel like that’s harder. She cried for a little bit and then seemed fine. This was a week ago. After her nap she complained about that spot hurting if you touched it…so like bruised. Couple days later there was a really good size bump…which i know is normal when kids bump their heads. But you mentioned above the ear? But that’s also where she hit her head….she’s acting fine. But i don’t want to ignore it and there be something wrong internal that i don’t know about and later find out i should’ve taken her to the doctor! Please advise if I’m just being paranoid? Thanks

    Added:
    • Mpho

      My 10 months old little girl fall off her bed while jumping up and down on her forehead. she cried while lying down on the floor until i picked her up. she cried for more than two minutes but ended up playing again. now she has a bluish bump on her forehead but it is going down slower every day.

      Added:
  106. Gee

    My husband fell asleep holding the baby while I was in the bathroom.and he accidentally drop her.really so scared coz my baby was just 1 month and 3 days that time. We went to her pedia and just told us to observe her cause she seems fines when she checked her. By the way she fell from the belly of my husband includes the bed high as my knee. And we have hardwood floor.till now I can’t feel normal cause don’t know what will be the effect to her.no symptoms of anything likes what you wrote.

    Added:
    • Colm

      Hi Gee – how was your daughter since ? Same happened us today and we are petrified …..

      Added:
  107. Michelle Meals

    My one year old hit his head last week because my nephew pushed him down onto a toy in the box. He had a bruise and a lump on his forehead. Well today he hit his head again on my tile floor in the same spot and there is a huge lump and it’s bruised again. The tile floor is like cement. He only cried for like 15 seconds until I picked him up. I am so worried because my father has seizures from hitting his head when he was eight but he was knocked out. My baby wasn’t knocked out but it looks terrible. Should I take him to the hospital especially since this is twice in a week and a half on the same spot? Please if possible let me know I am so scared. Thank you

    Added:
    • Nikki

      I think you should in this case the hit was twice in the same spot.

      Added:
  108. faith

    May baby fell in the bed and hit his head on the tiles.. he’s 13 months old.. it happen a ,lot of times already with different scenario.. I’m worried.. he kepts on crying and has difficulty sleeping ( he’s suffering from colds).. not sure if this the reason.. he’s very active and move a lot. One time he fell in the cradle much higher than the bed, he cries and vommited..I just observe him. Then since nothing happened after that. And tonight he rolls again in bed.. I always put a foam below so that when he rolls the foam will catch him, but for some stupid circumstances my mother took away the foam, without me knowing..imagine my shock, when I heard a bump then a cry, I ran right away in his room and found him facing the tiles floor. I feel so guilty and angry.. I hope there is no damage or injury.. he’s sleeping right now.

    Added:
    • Ashley

      It sounds like your baby needs to be in a crib. Baby’s shouldn’t be in a bed anyway but especially if it keeps happening.

      Added:
    • aroo

      Baby needs to be in a crib!

      Added:
  109. dominique

    i was just giving my 3 month old a bath. i had him sitting up to wash his back and he kicked his legs and fell back and hit his head on the plastic tub. he cried for less than a minute because i gave him kisses and was wide awake after. he is sleeping now because its his bed time. should i be worried??

    Added:
    • Hi Dominique,

      This sounds like a very typical, minor accident. If it were me, I would watch him, but not be concerned unless he started to show signs of an injury.

      @MsGreene
      Mom, Co-founder DrGreene.com, not a doctor

      Added:
  110. Jeffrey Bueno

    My son fell off of the couch playing with his brother. He started to cry hysterically. His mother immediately picked him up to try and sooth him. I grabbed him from my wife because he wasn’t calming down. Started to rub his back and pacing up and down the hall way slowly until he calmed down. We gave him some milk to see if that would make him feel better. He drank all of the milk and fell asleep right away. About 3-5 mins in I tried to wake him up and he wasn’t waking up. I started calling his name and nudging him to try and get him up and nothing was working. I started to panic and picked him up and he was drowsy. He wasn’t holding his head up at all. II continued to call his name as I wet a rag and passed it on his face. It took about 5 mins maybe a bit longer to get him up completely. He’s acting a bit normal now walking, smiling but I’m still worried. Should I take him to the hospital?

    Added:
    • Katie

      I would just to be on the safe side.

      Added:
    • Dan

      Yes. Even if he was acting completely normal (as opposed to a bit) after having that much difficulty waking him he needs to be seen, and have a set of neuro observations done.

      Added:
  111. Carla

    I was bending down to get my 6 week old baby’s wipes while he was lying on the couch, as I sat back up I bumped my head against the back of his head, wasn’t a hard bump but I’m really worried, he didn’t cry or even make a sound, he was wide awake and took his feed straight after… Should I be worried?

    Added:
    • Hi Carla,

      As a mom, I know every bump and bruise tugs at our hearts. This sounds like something very common and likely not an issue.

      Congrats on your little one.
      @MsGreene (not a doctor, but an experienced mom)

      Added:
  112. Angelina

    Please help I don’t know if anyone goes on these anymore. But my 8 month old was standing she’s learning how to slowly but surely she let go without me knowing and she fell and bonked her head. No crying. She does have a goose egg any advice on what I should do? She also played normally afterwards

    Added:
    • Hi Angelina,

      I’m not a doctor, but a mom who’s kids are now adults. We’ve had lots of head bonks.

      When a toddler is learning to pull to standing there are often falls. Thankfully they are close to the fall at that stage of development, so the falls aren’t a great distance. At this stage, if they don’t hit their heads on a sharp object, such as the corner of a coffee table or other furniture, there is usually not an issue.

      Hope that helps,
      @MsGreene

      Added:
  113. Sharon

    My 16month old son keeps holding his head crying and can’t open his eyes then crys and want to just go to sleep I’m very worried about this any ideas what this could be

    Added:
    • Sounds like a good time to see a doctor.

      Added:
  114. Ruby

    Hi
    Yesterday I fell of my bike and hit my head. For 5 minutes I was unconscious and when I woke up everything was blurry even though I had my glasses on. My parent came to collect me but I can’t remember much more than that as the fall caused amnesia. Just so you know I fell onto hard concrete. I am still a bit headachy and my parents haven’t had me looked at by medical personnel
    Should they?
    Thanks

    Added:
    • If a person is unconscious for five minutes after a fall and head bonk, they should be evaluated.

      If you were alone when this happened, it might be difficult to know how long you were unconscious, but regardless, it sounds as if a check is appropriate.

      Best,
      @MsGreene

      Added:
      • Ruby

        Thanks! I was out for about 5 mins I think

        Added:
  115. Sheila

    My son fell off the bed from the back and hit his on the dresser .he then get a fever throw the night..of 101.2 so put cool wash rag on him..then it went down..my concern is why do he has a fever .

    Added:
    • Mindy

      Hello! Did anything ever come from this? My son recently bumped his head a now has a fever. I can’t decide if it is correlation or conscience. Did your child visit their doctor? Thank you!

      Added:
  116. Jill

    My 2 year old daughter hit her head at the back directly from a standing position to a lying position at the daycare due to a hard push by a big boy. She was sleepy afterwards. Should I do a MRI for her head? Because I am concerned that there may be some bleeding points inside her head. Also, is there any side effects of doing MRI?
    Thank you so much for any suggestions or comments.

    Added:
    • alyce

      My 18 month old had this happen to him last night too. I kept him awake for an hour and a half but he woke up unsettles but eventually went back to sleep. Other then that he is acting normal. He always hits his head and im worries i also should do an MRI. When he was learning to sit he always fell back and hit his head. Just threw himself back all the time. Im really worried. What should i do?

      Added:
  117. Rosalinda

    My 6 month old was playing on my queen size. I put her in the middle so she wouldn’t fall and I started cleaning my room. I don’t know how she got to the floor so quickly I heard a fall and when I turned around she hit her head pretty hard on my tv shelf. A bump started to form on the back of her head and when I checked, it had the edge of the table mark a little on her head. I feel so bad. She’s happy, playing, moving around like usual. I just don’t know if I should be worried considering that a bump did form and a little mark of the table. It only hurts when I touch it but she’s acting very normal. Should I worry?

    Added:
    • Nalee

      I’m not a nurse or doctor but just a new mom who use to watch a few kids growing up. In the past, my 4 yr old nephew hit his head on our stone chimney . It created a huge bump on his head and he cried, but after I called his mom, she said as long as he’s acting normal then it should be fine. In the end he is still doing well so thankfully it wasn’t too serious. I think you should follow your guts.

      Added:
  118. Carolina

    My one year old baby girl was playing and she hit the back of her head .at first she scream in a crying way then she couldn’t catch her breath and turned purple. ..after that she cry but she looked sleepy. ..I didn’t let her sleep because I wanted to see if she could walk by her self and after she stop crying she looked normal my question is do I have to worry about it or can I just wait till the next day and take her to her doctor

    Added:
    • Sheila

      My son is 6 year old he hit his head from the back and hit it on the dresser..My oldest son said get was a hard hit..I ask my son how do he feel..he said his head hurt like a hurt..I look to see any swelling no swell..so lad on me for a minute..got went in the room sitting up..with his brothers..then….through the night he get a fever at 101.2 I went a put a cool rage on him…it went..down..I want to know why did he get a fever…is that a symptom. Im very worry now..

      Added:
  119. Jasper lyn

    Hi.. my 7months old baby bumb her forehead on the sharp edge of our window. I feel so worried because when i touch it.. it has a canal slicing inside the skin… i hope its not the bone that deformed. I tried putting some ice for like an hour but the redness still continue . She is asleep after.. she is looking fine but i worry if there are symptoms occur after… please give me some advice.. should i call the doctor?

    Added:
    • As a parent, when you are worried, it’s fine to call your doctor even if there is no problem. You should follow your heart and your instincts.

      Added:
      • emma

        My baby is 12months now she has a big ball in her head and a small one when she was five months she try to get up and she fall ever since than she has that ball and it has grown someone please comment?

        Added:
        • Was she walking without balance issues before the knot on her head?

          Added:
  120. Lucy

    Hello! My brother is about 6 months old. He bumps his head a lot on our dining table(hardwood) maybe about a good 3-4 times a day which really concerns me. He cries every time but has no signs of concussion or other symptoms I need to worry about. I’m just concerned if it will have long term damage like for when he grows up.

    Added:
    • This would be great to bring up at your brother’s next physical exam from his pediatrician. The head bonks don’t sound like they are hard enough to make a lasting difference, but I’m surprised that he hasn’t learned to avoid the table after a few bonks. Consider asking your doctor to have his vision checked. At that age, this is possible with a photo screening tool.

      I hope that helps,
      Cheryl
      Executive Producer, DrGreene.com

      Added:
  121. Beatriz

    This just happened to me. What did you ended up doing?

    Added:
  122. Tiffany

    My 10 month old hit his head on the tile floor while trying to climb out of the tub. Now he has a very large raised bump on his forehead that almost immediately turned black and blue. No other signs have shown up. Should I be worried and take him to the Drs?

    Added:
  123. Joyce

    My eight-month-old son fell off the bed this morning. My niece was watching him and she left them on the bed and he fell off. I’m not entirely sure what part of his head he hit, but he was on his back when I got him. He cried for about 2-3 minutes and he’s acting normal and at about 7 pm he had something coming out of his nose. It was orangey or reddish color clear it’s not dark it’s very light color. I wiped it with my finger and it feels like water and I’m not sure if it’s from him falling off the bed or us being at the park a little while ago. He was crawling on the grass and stuff — maybe it’s allergic reaction. I don’t know. Could someone help me please.

    Added:
    • Katie

      What did you end up doing? From everything in reading, anything leaking from the nose of ears after a bump to the head is serious and should be checked by the Dr. Prayers that all is well with your baby.

      Added:
  124. Amanda

    My 23 month old son fell over and hit his head on a dining chair, he cried for a short period and a bump came up on his head but he didn’t vomit or have any other symptoms. It has been a week and the bump has gone down a bit but it is quite big, should I be concerned?

    Added:
    • Shelly

      No way it’s fine head bumps and bruises take longer to heal

      Added:
  125. Cassie

    My 22 month old son was running and fell forward hitting his forehead on the concrete there is no bump no bruise no bleeding but it looks like he scraped his head and there’s red spots but the skin is smooth no scrapes just looks like there is .he only cried for a few minutes I put ice on his head I’m just really worried

    Added:
    • CeCelia

      My 18 month old was running downhill and I tried to stop her but was unable to and she face planted on the pavement, I was able to slow her down before she hit however she still has a little bump and scrap on her forehead and I just wanted to know if I should take her to the ER?

      Added:
  126. monique

    My son was sitting at the top of the couch. He’s two years old and has a history of seizures and ended up flipping behind the couch and ended up falling on his face. The only thing that is swollen is his lips and his nose. What should I do?

    Added:
    • monique

      His dad was asleep at the time he just went through surgery and I was cooking. All I heard was crying. I ran out the kitchen and he was on his face behind the couch.

      Added:
  127. Zoe

    Hi my 3 year old son fell of the sofa backwoods banged back of is head it has lumped but he wos Gipping but he’s running bout now

    Added:
  128. beki

    My daughter cracked her head open last week and has been sick twice but on different days and she is refusing food. She went to the hospital and got checked out. Should I be worried that she is not eating?

    Added:
  129. Isla McKenzie

    I’m 14 years of age, and on the way to school this morning a car hit our rear, pretty damn hard as we were about to turn into a lay by. As I was moments from getting out the car, I had taken off my seatbelt; so when the van hit us, I slammed my head against the back of the passenger seat, and then slammed back onto my headrest. My head obviously really hurts, but I’m now concerned as after two blows on either side of my head: there are now bumps or anything, even after a good 9 hours, I’m incredibly drowsy still and feel highly irritable and uncomfortable (unusual for me). And my headache has done everything BUT get better. If anything it’s hurting more. I’ve told my mother and she gave me a headache tablet about three hours ago which did nothing, and I don’t want to complain further about this to her. Is there anything wrong with me or am I just overreacting? I don’t know, as I said, I’m only 14.

    Added:
    • In this situation, it would be wise to see a doctor just to rule out neck injury and / or concussion. Better safe than sorry!

      Added:
  130. Crystal augustin

    hey first time mom here , my son is 11m and he was just chillaxing on my bed so, i got up and started cleaning i turned around for 2 seconds to put someting on the shelf and i immeditealy caught him in mid air . i put him to the furtherst part of my bed and got to caught up on trying to close his walker i look over and boom he acctually feel off the bed this timr when i tried to catch him he already hit his head on the carpet and took a deep breath in and cried he cried for about 20seconds and started poking my face an smiling .
    he was already previously tired ready for me to put him down , so idk if it means something bc i put him to sleep right after it happend.
    i rubbed his head and neck for about 10minutes i didnt find anything or he isnt bleeding or acting weird or anything but im honestly still scared that something happend to his little brain just bc he hit it on the floor .

    should i be concerned even tho there isnt any signs of sympotms ?

    Added:
    • Rachy

      You should never ever leave a baby unattended on a bed. Never. You let it happen twice. I’m concerned about that.

      Added:
      • sm

        I agree, was thinking the same thing. Put a child on the floor, not a bed!

        Added:
      • claire

        What a nasty thing to say,always a do gooder,sound like the type of person who grasses to social services,accidents happen Lady,now Shh

        Added:
        • christine

          I totally agree. Things happen in a blink of an eye, and I’ve had my son on my bed countless times (I have a special bed frame that has guard rails you can pull up and lock into place). When I bought the frame, I was assured that my son would be safe (first time mom here). Low and behold he somehow was able to flip his body over — same with in his crib. Managed to hit his forehead while trying to pull himself up.

          Things happen, no matter how much you “safe plan” and “baby proof”.

          LESS JUDGING MORE HELPING

          Added:
    • tg5

      Tale him to your family. Dr. Get a second opinion ….also please make him use a bike helmet every time. My friend’s son died 2 weeks ago because he hit the ground hard with no helmet.

      Added:
  131. jamie

    My son, 6 years old hit the back of his head pretty hard on a desk. It instantly out a goose egg on his head. He’s acting fine… cried for about 5 mins. I think he is ok, but it was a really hard hit. What should I do?

    Added:
    • Toni

      My daughter was was premature and already has some things we currently still are handling. At 6 months she threw herself to land on a pillow which slid off the bed with her and she hit her forhead on the side rails of my bed. She let out a cry and went limp and stopped breathing for maybe 2 minutes, which seemed forever. I took her to the ER. They said she had a concussion, sent her home same day with motrin, if need, and watch her. Well she’s 1 and a half now and I can’t seem to get a decent answer. It’s always “it’s from the fall” everytime I mention to her doctor, but I’m concerned because since that first fall at 6months now evrytime she hits her head while playing, or just being a 1 year old, she always does the same thing — eyes roll to back of her head goes limp and will stop breathing for a about 1min. It’s a scary feeling every time this happens — she doesn’t even have to hit her head that hard and this happens. What should I do? Could there be something else wrong that happened from the first fall? They did a CT scan and said she was fine. No one will listen. I honestly think there’s more to it.

      Anyone who has experienced the same or has some kind of advice, I’ll take it.

      Added:
      • Jennifer

        Google “breath holding spells in infants”. My son did the exact same thing around that age and it’s terrifying! He grew out of it by about 18 months, I think. I’m surprised your doctor hasn’t mentioned it as a possibility!

        Added:
      • Christina

        Have doctor check blood, CT of brain and maybe seizure test. My son has septo optic dysplasia and he stopped breathing when he was born, but I’ve read that some kids aren’t diagnosed until later.

        Added:
  132. ann

    My four month old fell off of the couch and I’m not sure if she fell head first or not. But she fell on a tile floor that had carpet on top of it I’m really worried something bad happened to her although she does not have any marks or bruises on her the day after the fall she was irratable what should I do? She I be worried at all? Please help

    Added:
    • Mary

      Was your daughter fine? Today my 16 month old fell off the couch and hit the back of his head. See he loves climbing on our couches and getting up and running on them. Today I was not fast enough to catch him. He cried for maybe 5 minutes. Had no symptoms that were mentioned in the article but I’m still every nervous…

      Added:
  133. Latoya white

    Thanks for the help

    Added:
  134. Felis

    My one year old son hit his head on my rails on my stairs. I didn’t see where exactly he hit himself but thire is a swelling above his ear. Should I be worried?

    Added:
    • zoe

      I read an article that stated swelling above ear or near the eye they need to be taken to the ER just safety precautions!

      Added:
      • Certainly warrants a call with your doctor to describe the symptoms in detail and get his / her take.

        Added:
  135. Ger

    My 4 year old son was taking a bath and fell down and bump his head in the bath tub he was crying for maybe about ten minutes or a little less. His eyes were close and rubbing it at the same time while crying. Then stopped crying and now watching tv and laughing. What should i do now?

    Added:
    • Jess

      My 4 year old daughter was playing with older kids and she fell and hit her head on the floor (tile all around the house) she has a big bump on her forehead and doesn’t go down. What should i do?

      Added:
      • albertamom

        My 6 year old son was at his dads yesterday playing outside. He fell off of their flat deck trailer nd hurt his back nd cut his head. He has long hair nd i guess he bled to the point where his hair had to be rinsed out. I was just told this today. Itis now 5:00am nd he has been waking up crying every hour saying it hurts. What should i do?

        Added:
  136. Christina

    All I have to say is this. As a mother/someone who works in the medical field, if you experience anything with your child and it involves them being injured, go with your gut. Your gut will more than likely tell you the answer, and if your gut says ER, go. That motherly instinct is amazing, my great grandmother woke up in the middle of the night, and something told her to take my grandmother to the er. Well, turned out my grandmother had apendicitis and they needed to be taken out immediately. When I was 11 months old I fell and hit my head. My mom said I was acting fine but something told her to take me to the ER. That something was her gut because within 5 minutes of me getting there I had my first seizure. I see this everyday in medical reports and hear about it from doctors and nurses. Trust your gut! Dads can do it too! Anyone who is around a kid can do it. So, do it!

    Added:
    • fatin

      Thank you for reassurance :) So helpful (Christina).

      Added:
  137. April

    My niece who is three was running caught her foot in a root and gig her head on a big Boulder and went unconscious immediately for 10 seconds she is now acting very confused and sleepy

    Added:
    • Imane

      Take her to the doctor ASAP!!!! She obviously has a serious injury if she went unconsious and now is confused and sleepy. Please take her to the doctor immediatly or the ER.

      Added:
  138. Tiffanie Montague

    My 7yr old was racing down the curb when he fell and hit his head and eye. He said he felt dizzy. After close observation I didn’t find any immediate swelling, bleeding or anything. I am still very concerned about the dizziness so I’m taking him to the ER.

    Added:
    • Wishing you and your son the best! I’m a fan of learning all we can — and listening to parents’ instincts about their kids.

      Added:
  139. allie

    My two year old son was jumping on my bed. He then fell and hit the corner of my night stand with the base of skull, top of the neck. No external injuries, but a small bump where he hit. But now I can’t keep him awake, and when I do get him to open his eyes he just screams in pain and holds his neck and the sides of his head. I used ice and currently trying to keep him awake. But he even fell asleep sitting up. Being a first time mom my first reaction is to rush to the hospital but does anyone have any advice. Anything at all, I’m kinda freaking out.

    Added:
    • Sounds like you should call your doctor and if you don’t have one, go to an Urgent Care Clinic. If there isn’t an Urgent Care Clinic near you, the ER would be a good place to go.

      This is probably fine, but getting him checked out makes good sense.

      Added:
    • Allie, as parents – 1st time or not – it’s a normal instinct to be very concerned when our kids are injured and continue to scream in pain. And for good reason! Unless we’re sure there wasn’t a serious injury it’s wise to get them evaluated by someone who can make sure. It’s still a good call, even if everything turns out to be ok.

      Added:
  140. chilot

    Hi everyone and to all the moms out there.

    my 9 mos and 3 weeks son fell down the stairs while on his walker, he fell down 6 in a total 6 steps stairs that happened 3 weeks ago.i was in the kitchen that time making milk for him then suddenly i heard a big bang rolling down then i ran in the dining room and i saw him at the bottom of the stairs he was still on his walker in na normal standing position, he was bleeding on his eyebrow(a slight scratch) on it, on his nose bridge, the bone that is align or in between his two eyebrows he got a little scratch there too(bleeding ,a bruise and that affected bone on his nose looked inflammed/swelling ) and a mild or slight nosebleed.I immediately lift him up,hug him and comfort him coz he was crying and afraid.i felt so guilty the whole day and u felt so sorry for my son,felt so guilty for forgetting the stair blokker:-( He was conscious and i checked his head to see if he had some cuts, but luckily it was nothing,no bruises.checked the neck,arms and shoulders,hips,thighs and it was all ok.After 15-20 minutes he began to smile again,and then i gave him some toys then he grabbed it and played with it,as i observed he was again then back to normal, an active,happy,playful little one.we monitored him 24 hrs and the rest of the coming days and it was nothing wrong he´s back as a normal baby and i was happy but still sometimes think about what had happened and still feel sorry.

    Now my concern is that, that bone on his nose that was a bit inflammed or swollen that time he fell down is still a bit hard, i wonder if it is the flesh or the bone alone.when i tried to pich it a little bit lately it is still a bit hard, but he feels no pain when i pinch or touch or massage it a bit just to feel if something´s broken.AS I pinched it i didn´t feel any broken or separated bones but it feels like it´s a lump.what shall i do?i hope anyone can give me some advice.

    Added:
    • Anna

      Always always go to see a specialist after an accident involving bleeding from nose! Good luck I hope it’s all good

      Added:
  141. Quinn

    Please help. I was exercising with 8 lb dumb bells when my baby sister suddenly ran behind me when I didn’t notice and it hit her right on the edge of her left eyebrow above the nose bridge. The area it hit her turned purple immediately and swelled. It’s been 24 hours and the area is still swollen the size of a quarter but with a slight red mark where it hit her. Please help!

    Added:
    • Kaylianne

      Same exact thing happened to my daughter today. She’s 17months old. Did you find out any information????

      Added:
      • Quinn

        I haven’t found any helpful information regarding this situation on the internet, but the swell had gone down dramatically and all that’s visible is a faint bruise around the eye. I was worrying because my baby sis is still young and their skulls aren’t as hard and developed as ours so I was freaking out if there was a fracture. She cried hysterically when it hit her and I felt so guilty. Thank The Lord all that happened to her was a bruise! But lesson learned, I’m never using dumb bells around children. How is your 17 month old managing? Has the condition improved?

        Added:
    • Katniss

      Same thing happened to my sister, is it ok?

      Added:
      • Quinn

        From what happened with my baby sister, it’ll most likely turn into a bruise. Nothing major like a bone fracture unless you exerted a great amount of force. Whenever I noticed I had hit my sister on accident with the dumb bells, I checked and felt the area it got her to see if I felt any indentations or anything different dealing with the bones. So your sister will most likely end up with a bruise that’ll take a couple weeks or so to heal.

        Added:
  142. Rodelyn

    Hi, I’m Rodelyn, 17 years old from Philippines. When I was five years old I was bumped by a young man and then my head fall off the ground and the I vomit blood. At my very young age I always experience headache yet I haven’t undergone to a ct scan. My problem now when I’m already 17 is that I always experience headache and my eyes also are hot and I always feel like I’m sick. Even my nose, I can feel pain in it. I would like to ask for an advice on what shall I do to release the pain and I also want to know what’s the reason behind this symptoms. Thank you ! I’m looking forward to receive your response. To God be the Glory!

    Added:
    • duh!

      Get your head looked at by the doc (xray, ct, whatever). you already know the answer, so stop crying and go!

      Added:
  143. Sarah

    My daughter fell out the bath last night and bashed the front of her head on the toilet. We applied ice and she soon stopped crying. She has a small bruise and slept fine, but this morning she has been vomiting complaining of headache and slight temperature! Please help? Is this related?

    Added:
    • Priscilla

      get help asap! that’s not a good sign at all. worst case is that your child could develop a blood clot. get check just for a peace is mind

      Added:
      • Shannon

        Hi my son is 1 year and five months old and he is hit him self on the head and his face he felt twice and the last time he felt on his face his nose was bleeding I took him to the doctor and they said he is fine but he is still doing it is there any help or any cure for his behavior

        Added:
  144. Tiff

    My son is four. He hit his head on a piece of wood and has a bump on the back of his head. It’s been about a week since he hit his head. It has gone down a lot and is getting softer. He acts completely normal and says it doesn’t hurt him. I’m wondering should I still take him to the hospital? And how long does a goose eggs stay on a child’s head?

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    • Akeema Banks

      My son is 4yrs old, and he was playing with his 11 year old cousin last night; my cousin scared him, and my baby ran right into my grandmothers night stand. His head was swollen last night, and I iced it, and it started going down. When he woke up this morning his eye was swollen shut under where his head bump is located. He is acting fine and says he is not in any pain. I had a family doctor, but she went out of business two years ago and I really don’t know if I should take him to the emergency room or not. I need your advice please Dr. Greene tell me what do you think I should do?

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      • leeann

        I would see the doctor!!!!

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  145. Gen

    My daughter has bump behind her ear after a she hit that part. The bump has not gone away for two years. It is hard and not painful and she has not had any other sings. Should I be concerned?

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    • I am NOT a doctor, but I am a mom and a cancer survivor. My opinion, you don’t need to stress at all, but you should point it out to your daughter’s doctor at her next check-up.

      I hope that helps.
      Best, @MsGreene
      Note: I am the co-founder of DrGreene.com, but I am not Dr. Greene and I am not a doctor. Please keep that in mind when reading my comments and replies.

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      • Gen

        Thank you so much for you answer. May God bless you.
        I have doctor appointment Monday.

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    • PRJSC

      Gen, my three year old fell two years ago and hit the side of his head, just above his ear, that bump is still there. Just when I think it is disappearing, it swells up a bit. What was your outcome from your Dr appointment? I am going to have my son’s Pediatrician check it again at his next appointment. This is nerve racking for me, I go in and out of worry about that darn bump!

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  146. Ashley

    My 6 year old daughter is constantly hitting her head on the the walls and doors, door frames, her metal bed frame and other things intentionally. She does it so hard things on walls shake. Do I need to take her to get her checked out? Should she have a ct scan or mri?

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    • Concerned

      That sounds like a worry, not just because of a possible head injury, but because you need to find out why she deliberately hits her head on things. Definitely see a doctor about it.

      (Disclaimer: I am not a doctor.)

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    • Amother

      Our boy has done that since he was able to. We see one of the top Pediatricians in the state, and were told that it’s “normal”. Not sure how it’s normal, but that’s what we were advised.

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  147. Emma

    Reene, I hope that everything is ok with your baby now, please dont be so hard on yourself. We all learn from our mistakes. I have three kids and am 21 yrs old. I had my first child at 15, i put her on my bed when she was around 5 months old, she somehow rolled over and fell on the ground! I prayed so hard that everything would be ok. I promised myself to NEVER put a baby on my bed, only in the crib. Unfortunately, my second child fell off the bed once too.
    My third child is now almost 2 yrs old; she did not fall.
    Its just what we have to do. Try our best and learn from our mistakes. Because we love our kids sooo much.

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  148. Lita

    You need to be so rude? I worry about your ability to move blood through your body with half a heart.

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  149. keke

    U should not take him to the er and u should be more careful

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  150. azalea

    Doc my son hit his head hard on the edge of our bed. The swell on his forehead grew big. After 3 days he got fever and since then he was clamoring about his head aching every mornig. My son is only 2 years old. Can you please give some insights what this might be. I was planning to bring him to his pedia on the 27th.

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    • Carrie

      First of all you have to be really careful with children no matter their age.
      But I think it’s worth taking him to the doctor and getting him checked out. Don’t wait

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  151. Makaila

    My 10 month old daughter just fell back and hit her pretty hard on her bedroom wall. She seems fine but she also fell of the bed yesterday while napping with my husband. Her soft spot also feels harder than normal. Should I take her in?

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    • Mel

      Hi, my nearly 8 month old and I were just playing on the floor and she laughed and ended up fallen back onto our TV cabinet and really hit the back of her head hard. She didn’t cry as I picked her up straight away and cuddled her. Is that a good sign? I am worried because it was a very hard hit and she now has a red mark :-( Please can you put my mind at rest?

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  152. girish

    Hello Dr.

    My nice is 5 days old only but she has a big boil in back head , sir can you suggest what we should do for that

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    • s

      Dr. Greene,
      Does someone qualified answer these questions or are random people without training supposed to post their (possibly) dangerous misinformation? This seems open to anyone’s comments, as if it were a news story or youtube video; even open to strangers like me who obviously have little better to do.

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      • Peds Nurse

        Parents if you are in any way concerned about your little ones, go to the ER, vs looking up info online.. Posting questions and waiting for a reply. Head injuries to children under 5 is very dangerous. As a nurse and parent to 4 children, you can never be to safe. If you have an ounce of doubt of how your child is reacting after a head injury, go to the ER… Too many children die each year from accidental head injuries, and many more obtain life altering brain injuries…

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        • Radhika Devadiga

          I my little one is 1 year old, recently when he was running all over the house he suddenly lost control and went and hit his face on the wooden cot. His cheeks turned red. I immediately pit ice cubes on his cheeks, but now after 2 days it’s turned dark red and blackish and swollen. I’m worried that he may have a serious injury to his cheeks and whether the scar will remain.

          Kindly suggest as what needs to be done.

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  153. Maria

    My 23month old girl fell from kitchen counter, hit the left side of her face, on tile floor I quickly picked her up and lay her on the couch to see if she had broken anything. I noticed while she was crying she also was closing her eyes wanting to sleep, I didn’t let her a while later I sat down and that’s when she s leeped briefly. I once again woke her up sat her on a couch, gave her a lollipop and she was fine got up and began playing. ….. should I be concerned about this behavior? Did she have a serious injury, concussion I should be worried? When she fell her nose bleed and her face is a bit swollen. …what should I do?

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    • keke

      You should take her to be checked out even though she got back up playing.

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    • Simone

      Hi just to let you no i future you don’t relly need to send up to hospital as they don’t do much,as I was told if child was really serious injury on her head she wouldn’t be willing to get up playing around,mine did this at 6 maybe 7munthes

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  154. NAEEM LAHER

    good day,
    my son fell and hit the back of his head… he vomited after about 30 minutes, but just the once… after 2 days now, his nose just started bleeding, but just once… is there a reason for concern?

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    • keke

      Take him to be checked out please just to be sure it’s nothing serious

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  155. gggftff

    My baby boy is 1 years old and is always bumping his head but this last time like 2 or more weeks ago he bumped his head and the bump is still there. Its not even brosed am worried ,

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    • s

      So what’s up with that? Some of these questions are from months ago. Listen, everyone, call your own doctor or go to a hospital or urgent care. If you have no insurance and low to no income, then hopefully there is a medical facility that is close and can serve you. But, if it’s potentially life-threatening, just go to the emergency room and deal with the bills later. Better in debt and alive. And Dr. Greene, thank you very much for your information on concussions. It was very helpful.

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  156. Delmi

    Hi dr my 2 1/2 yr old daughter fell back and hit her head pretty hard on the floor , I hurried to pick her up , as I held her crying she suddenly stopped crying and got stiff for a second her arms and legs were stretched out and her eyes looked weird , it scared me like crazy , I don’t Know if that was a seizure or what . She then took a deep breath and cried a little bit more . After she calmed down I started talking to her and asking her her name , and my name to see if she was ok . She has bump on the back of her head and I’m worried and don’t know if something serious happened within her head , should I take her to get an x ray ?

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    • keke

      Yes u should

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    • Simone

      Trust me docs at hospital only check the eyes dilate ect… See if a bump and send you home.

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    • Jen

      Does anyone know if this reaction is a seizure or not? My 2 year old had a similar experience yesterday. We went to the dr today and he is fine, but I am worried he is not.

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  157. Noha El Saeed

    2 days ago my 8 month old boy fell from a chair on a hard floor and hit the back of his head he cried hard for a while then fell asleep we rushed to the hospital the doctor examined him and kept him under observation for 2 hrs then told us he was ok and no need to do a ct scan but i feel he has been sleeping more than usual since then is that ok ?

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    • emma

      He should be fine

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  158. Colton

    My 17 month old son hit his head on a fan, now he has a bump but before the bump became soft (swallow) it was hard and felt like a bone, it also feels like his skoal is indented and there is a bump above his ear. So when you feel the bumps it feels like there is an indentation with two bumps above and bellow, I am not sure if I should be worried because he isn’t acting any different, he is not acting sleepy, he didn’t really cry, and he is not bleeding.

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    • Gilbert

      my 4 year old son hit his head on our traier, leaving a indentation on back of his head. We called the ambulance, they checked him and said hes fine. should i be worried about the indentation.

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  159. Jessica Callis

    My 6 yr old was elbowed in the forehead during some rough housing this evening, she only cried for maybe 2 minutes but there is a small dent in her forehead. She went back to playing right away and doesn’t seem to have any symptoms other than tenderness where the indention is. Should I be concerned about the indention?

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    • vicki

      My boy friend has a six year old n was playing rough n hit her head on the table n now she has a big bump on her forehead. She only cried for about ten min would it be ok if she went to sleep if chech on her every half hr?

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  160. Alan Greene

    While most kids who fall off a bike end up fine, a fall off of a bicycle can be enough force to cause a head injury of concern. It’s a good reason for bike helmets and for contacting doctors.

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  161. Alan Greene

    The type of dent (or skull indentation) I wrote about in the article would be a sign of a skull fracture. I’m not surprised that a falling walnut could leave a soft tissue dent. And a baby acting fine and smiley and playful afterwards is certainly a great sign. Thankfully the soft spot is well-designed to protect babies (http://www.drgreene.com/qa-articles/soft-spots/)

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  162. Alan Greene

    Chandni, when kids keep banging their heads against something hard it’s often concerning to parents. Here’s an article I wrote about head banging that might be helpful for you: http://www.drgreene.com/articles/head-banging/

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  163. Tiffany

    My son is 7 and came in today complaining that his head hurt when laying down. I felt it and he has a flat spot on the back, top part of his head. I am pretty sure it hasn’t always been there. Me nor him can remember him hitting his head the past day or so. Any ideas on what it could be?

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    • Alan Greene

      Tiffany, a recent blow hard enough to change the shape of the skull isn’t likely to go unnoticed or unremembered at age 7. Many kids do have a flat area at the back of the head that goes unnoticed because it is covered by hair. Asking a child’s pediatrician can help determine how long it has been there, since checking a child’s head shape is a part of early well-child exams.

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  164. Jess

    A chiropractor can take x-rays to see if there is any misalignment and adjust according to whatv is needed by what the x-ray reveals.

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  165. Mari Gonzalez

    My son fell from a spinning computer chair and hit the front of his head. There was a very loud sound but he has no ice. His cry was not a usual loud cry but more like a kittens meow. I applied ice and held him and within ten minutes he was asleep. He’s three and never naps and this happened in the morning about two hours after he woke from a full nights sleep. Everything I read says not to worry, but here I am….. worried.

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    • Alan Greene

      Mari – as parents, of course we worry when our little ones hit their heads and act differently. Thankfully, their heads are built to withstand common falls, and some sleepiness afterwards is normal. And other signs (as in the article above) typically develop if there is more to do.

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  166. Ashley Martinez

    I dr my son is 2 we were over my aunts house yeasterday and he was playing with his cousin he fell and hit his head hard it sounded ugly he cried for about 15 minutes and I put some iceon his forehead cause he got a bump when we got home 2 hours later he fell asleeo but he woke up in the middle of the night and has a fever should I be worried do I have to call his dr ? Please let me know thank you

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    • Alan Greene

      Fevers and normal falls at age 2 are most often unrelated. It’s best for someone to call the doctor if it is a fall they would call for or if it is a fever they would call for – but not just because a fever and a fall happened on the same day.

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  167. Alan Greene

    Priscilla – It’s scary when our kids get injured. A good rule of thumb is when parents are not confident that it’s safe to wait to take a child to a doctor, then it’s a good idea to take the child in.

    Usually getting hit on the side of the head with that amount of force doesn’t cause damage inside the head, but on the surface. Still, the combination of having a cut, big bumps, and feeling weak and dizzy with an unusual headache, suggests taking a closer look. It was enough force to leave a mark, and it certainly hurt and surprised her.

    But it was also bedtime. For some kids, a surprise bonk may be an occasion to get more time together rather than having to go to sleep.

    For some 7-year-olds, how they are acting (seeming confused or weak) may be more important than what they are saying (“I’ve lost my memory” or “I feel weak”).

    You know your daughter best! Having read the list of warning signs in the article above, your mother’s intuition is a good guide.

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  168. Alan Greene

    Beth, hitting the head in different locations can cause different injuries and different symptoms – but the same rules apply for when to be concerned and to get checked.

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    • manali

      My 6 years daughter fell on the floor from bed, hit on her head, she cried for a few seconds, & omitted little, now she is sleeping. Should I take her to the dr?

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  169. Marisa

    Dr. Greene, my 4 yrs. old daughter fell off the chair, hit head on the side of the desk and he cried for a couple of minutes. Couple of hours later, my husband gave her a piece of watermelon, she put it in her mouth and threw up. She said that her head hurts. Then couple of hours later, she had a low fever so I gave her tylenol. What should I do? Should I bring her to the ER?

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    • Alan Greene

      Marisa, vomiting once after a fall is normal for kids who didn’t lose consciousness with the fall. So is a headache. But kids who vomit repeatedly, or whose headache is severe or keeps getting worse should be checked right away.

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      • Marisa

        Thank you Dr.

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        • Alan Greene

          You are most welcome.

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