Not sure what to do - Ds just hit his head

[MrsRyanReynolds]

He is 2.11 and was standing on an empty tub about a foot high when it gave way and he fell and hit his head quite hard (back of head).

He cried immediately (for ages), but he looks a bit lethargic now and he says he's tired and wants his covers. However he does have a cough and would normally be tired-ish at this time, but would never usually admit it .

Do I need to get him checked out or just keep an eye on him or what?

Help!

[Selks]

ring NHS direct for advice

[BikeRunSki]

I am a paediatric first aider.
Crying is a good sign. It means he is not unconscious! Can he lift his arms up, move his face, make sense, and talk? (good sign). Do both pupils react to light? (they ought to). Is he confused? (bad sign)
Look into his eyes - are his pupils dilated (in normal light)? Has he been sick? Is there ant damp/sticky fluid in his ears? is he pale and/or clammy? Is he red and sweaty? If yes, go to A&E.

[MrsRyanReynolds]

Hi all

He started getting a bit sleepy and unable to hold himself up so I rang NHS direct and they advised to go to A&E. He kept closing his eyes on the way there and couldn't answer simple questions like "What's your name?" - I was terrified. Then he was violently sick.

He fell asleep in A&E but they said this was ok - was checked by both triage and a doctor and they said the fact he was rousable was a good sign and that the vomiting is consistent with the type of injury. Pupils reacting ok and no signs of any fluid in ears or nose.

He slept all night and seems "normal" this morning though he does seem a bit tired but the doctor said that he will do but to go back if he gets abnormally drowsy or vomits or appears confused or out of character.

Anyway I will now be a PFB nervous wreck for the next few days!

Thank you so much for your advice - I have only just read it this morning - I will bear it in mind over the next few days .

[twinmummy24]

my dd fell of a bed last october and knocked herself out, scared the hell out of me even though i am a childrens nurse!
our little ones are so precious that i always tell parents if you are worried get them checked out, no one will ever criticise you for being cautious! hopefully
hope your ds is felling better soon, you will be watching him like a hawk for the next few days!

[Imnotaslimjim]

Been in a similar situation, DD flipped herself over, banged her head but seemed fine. 15 mins later she keeled over in a dead faint and nothing was rousing her. Phoned NHS direct and was told to take her to A&E immediately. On arrival, she was awake and talking and I was treating like a neurotic mother that didn't know what she was doing! Was made to feel like I was really wasting their time with something so basic as concussion in a toddler. Shame they're the only paeds A&E for 20 mile

[Imnotaslimjim]

sorry meant to say, hope he's over it soon

[MrsRyanReynolds]

It's horrible isn't it - problem is that he is such a live wire - always climbing on things/under things, running about the house, tripping up and generally just giving me a constantly raised stress level!!

I'm sure people think I am a "helicopter" parent but I really just want to avoid these sorts of things happening .

Sorry to hear that some of you have been through similar - fwiw A&E were fantastic with us - really caring and lovely .