When to get a head bump checked? (Pic)

[DallyG]

DD at school today, fell over and hit her head on concrete. I wouldn’t usually worry but there is no swelling at all, that blue bruise is spreading at a rate of knots under her skin though? Is that normal. She’s got a headache but feels ok otherwise

I would go and get it checked out now

It's internal bleeding you need to be concerned with. I would have her checked immediately.

If she's drowsy or clumsy or acting unusual for her then get it checked. Apparently it's a good sign that the bruise comes out quickly.
Also, if you're unsure get it checked

I was told that if there’s visible swelling it’s probably ok, but if there isn’t any external swelling there is a risk that this is happening internally and therefore should be checked out. Better safe than sorry!

Don't second guess yourself; get it checked out.

I'd be concerned that the blue bruising is quite close to her temple. I would get this one checked.

Get it checked straight away

The links below are useful:

this for what to expect after a head injury www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/injuries/head-and-neck-injuries/minor-head-injury

This for when to go to an emergency department
head.www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Head_injury/

Seek help immediately by calling an ambulance if:

• your child has had a head injury involving high speeds or heights greater than a metre, for example, car crashes, high-speed

--skateboard accidents or falling from playground equipment your child loses consciousness (passes out) -your child seems unwell and vomits more than once after hitting their

Giving calpol/ibuprofen for a headache or discomfort from bruising won't cover up any deterioration.

Don't worry if your child has a black eye tomorrow, bruising is blood under the skin and can move with gravity

This is really embarrassing but I work in A&E. It was rammed when I left work and she’s looking at me like I’m not going to the hospital! She said she feels fine

It's a tough call really isn't it. But you never know, so I'd probably err on the side of caution.

What's your job?

Thats a big one, I think I'd want it checked personally, its also close to the eye socket.

@Jonette, I’m not clinical

My gp will look at head bumps. Not all do. But if you ring in they squeeze you in at our surgery.

Did you go to A&E or is your dd still ok?

You need her to get checked.

A previous poster is right, there is cause for concern if there is no obvious swelling. I hope you’ve been and all is ok but if not please do go and get seen.

Jesus take her to A&E now OP! That looks like internal bleeding, you can't mess about with this stuff and if you work in A&E you probably know that already

Rule of thumb if there no bump then get it seen too just for piece of mind. Hope she's ok OP

Ouch that looks nasty. I'd go and get checked out,better to be safe than sorry with head injuries. Hope your little girl feels better soon x

It is an old wives tale that a lack of bump or bruise makes internal ‘swelling’ more likely. Unfortunately it’s a commonly held belief.

I have never met a child or adult who had a significant intracranial (internal) injury, who was behaving normally and had no external evidence of injury.

If the child is otherwise well and the bump or bruise doesn’t feel abnormal then there is no need for panic.

Rosebud21 ’s info is good.

Did you get her checked out op?

Agree with wish unless there are other symptoms there is very little they will do but monitor

wishi, really? It was said to me by an A&E doctor.

That looks like internal bleeding,

You do know that's what a bruise is yes?

WifofBif really. I did once do a quick search to see if I could see any evidence to back it up but couldn't find anything.

We used NICE head injury guidelines or PECARN to guide need for further observation/imaging. If this were a true risk factor it would be included. In fact for babies the size of the bruise can be cause for concern, not its absence.