How Serious Is Infant Head Trauma?

infant head traumaThe problem of infant head trauma can be very dangerous and it is divided into two areas. One is internal and the other is external.

Internal head traumas are usually related to skull and the brain, while external head traumas are related to the scalp.

Internal head injuries:

These types of injuries usually occur when the infant’s head is knocked into the side of the head.

In this case, the blood vessels will tear, the brain becomes injured and the skull becomes fractured. All these problems can lead to serious consequences.

If you observe any head trauma in your child, then immediately consult your pediatrician.

Don’t try to diagnose the problem for yourself. For older children, if you observe any of the following conditions, take him immediately to the hospital.

  • Abnormal breathing
  • Dizziness
  • Bleeding from the nose, ears or mouth
  • Apparent fractures
  • Unable to control bowel or bladder moments
  • Neck pain
  • Paralysis
  • Serious cut, wound or gash
  • Seizures
  • Speech related problems
  • Vision problems
  • Unconsciousness

External head injuries:

Scalp injuries occur more often when your infant becomes a toddler. When your child learns to crawl, walk, and jump, then he needs to suffer from few bumps and bruises.

When the infant appears helpless and immobile, then there is greater chance for injuries. So, it is essential not to leave your infant alone on the raised surfaces.

External injuries lead to minor cut and bleeding from the blood vessels as the blood vessels are immediately under the skin.

Apply the pressure to control the bleeding. If you cannot control the bleeding, immediately consult your pediatrician.

Goose eggs or bumps are also the most common characteristics of scalp injuries. Bumps are usually due to the leakage of blood from the blood vessels under the skin. If your child falls down, then look for the following conditions and if you observe any of them, immediately consult the pediatrician.

  • Losing consciousness, even for a moment also
  • Complaining about head or neck pain
  • Unable to move normally
  • Continuous crying [infant crying]

You can apply ice enclosed in a soft cloth to treat minor bumps and then observe your baby for the next 24 hours whether there is abnormal behavior. Also, observe your child’s breathing patterns during the sleep and also when he is awake.

Tips to prevent infant head trauma:

  • Never place your child in an infant seat on a raised surface.
  • Don’t leave your child alone and unattended on a raised surface. Though the child is tucked to the changing, he can wiggle and fall.
  • While traveling in a car, buckle your child to the car seat every time.

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