Is this an A&E job?!

[Helpplease1827]

Toddler fell yesterday, stood on a stool and fell off and hit his head on the corner of the kitchen island. He cried for 5 minutes and had a cuddle and was then ok. Didn't see a cut or any bleeding so didn't panic too much, have had many phone calls to 111 about various falls and bumps and they always say A&E and we've taken him for a fair few in past and it's always been fine so we just thought we'd keep an eye on him. Today I noticed this on his head, he has a bump as well that you can feel more than see so asked GP just to have a look before we spend the day in A&E and been waiting and they've just phoned back and said they can't see him anymore so A&E if worried.

I'm worried the way this looks plus no blood means maybe the skull has come apart and I'm worried the bleeding could be internal? But my mum is saying it looks like a graze and if it didn't bleed and he's fine in himself she wouldn't worry so I'm in limbo on what to do. Anyone have any idea what this looks like and whether it looks like an A&E job?

This looks like Nothing but it's hard to tell On a photo.

I'm no medic but I suspect if his skull had come apart it would be apparent something was wrong.

Looks like a graze to me so I’d agree with your mum .

He's gearing up for bed time so I feel guilty dragging him to A&E for hours now if it's nothing it's so hard as they always just say A&E for kids (which I do understand) but I feel like it's always an overreaction on my part for even ringing 111 by the time we get home after he's always inevitably fine.

He's absolutely normal and fine in himself, happened 24 hours ago now so hopefully a good sign. I've asked him if it hurts and he said no.

Looks like a scratch or indent from the edge of the kitchen counter maybe? Doesn’t look like there’s any severe bruising or discolouration so I doubt there’s any bleeding.

As someone who fractured my skull as a child - it’s agonising. I cried for hours which is what triggered a trip to the hospital. So if there was a break I don’t think he’d have calmed down so quickly.

It looks like my son's forehead did when he hit it off a sharp edge in that it didn't bleed but looked like there was only the thinnest layer of skin covering it and very close to splitting. His formed a scab despite there being no blood. Caveat - I'm not a medical professional!

A fractured skull can sometimes result in bruising behind/under the ears (essentially blood pools down there and appears as a bruise). Worth checking his whole head for bruising, but otherwise it looks ok.

No bruising anywhere else

I should have clarified, I am not stating don't get it checked. Just that it's unlikely his skull has come apart.

Can you call your GP and ask for a horse to check it?

Or a nurse if they don't have horses

No wonder A&E departments are overwhelmed all the time if GPs refuses point blank to even look at a bump on a child's head.

at horse

Rang this morning asking for a nurse to look, and say if A&E was needed. I had a call back lunch time saying it would need to be GP and then call just now say GP can't fit him in now so A&E. so a whole day wasted when we could of been and gone by now and if we go now he's tired and getting hungry. Obviously if it's an emergency that is all irrelevant but I'm just hesitant after many unnecessary trips in the past as I know I can be a bit over anxious about things.

@chisanunian

No wonder A&E departments are overwhelmed all the time if GPs refuses point blank to even look at a bump on a child's head.

GPs aren’t an emergency or minor injury service….

Looks ok to me - if no drowsiness, vomiting, other bruising, nosebleeds, altered vision or speech then just keep an eye on him.

Try minor injury dept if you have one near to you.

He's overheard us and has now started saying my head owwy I go hospital

I'm not a medic but if he had a cracked skull he would not be 'fine in himself'. He would be in a lot of pain, crying, drowsy, not eating, he wouldn't let you touch it. Chill out!

@Helpplease1827

He's overheard us and has now started saying my head owwy I go hospital

But not a single sign since he did it yesterday of pain?

I'm a HCP worked in A&E.
I would not be bothered about this AT ALL!.
It'll subside.
He's well in himself. Def not a fractured skull.
Relax

So it’s over 24 hours and no symptoms. From what you have said here a and e wouldn’t even cross my mind

@chisanunian equally common sense would also keep people out of A&E’s and GP surgeries. If you’re child is well in themselves, no pain, deformities, change in behaviours then usually that’s a good guide but many parents understandably need and want reassurance. It’s not always needed so I think it’s a it unfair to say that GP’s are the reason people end up in A&E, sometimes it’s total lack of common sense and ability to self care.

[quote itsjustnotok]@chisanunian equally common sense would also keep people out of A&E’s and GP surgeries. If you’re child is well in themselves, no pain, deformities, change in behaviours then usually that’s a good guide but many parents understandably need and want reassurance. It’s not always needed so I think it’s a it unfair to say that GP’s are the reason people end up in A&E, sometimes it’s total lack of common sense and ability to self care.[/quote]
I was talking about this specific incident.

DH is a paramedic, so I do have a reasonable grasp of the situation.