4yr old DD just fell down stairs......Help any quick advice?

[fifitot]

She fell 14 steps - we have a terrace so it's steep. She seems to have slid on her side rather than tumble and to have banged her cheek really hard.

No broken bones as far as can tell but she was clearly in shock and cheek looks like a bruise coming. Not sure what to do - lots of conflicting advice on google.

She has fallen asleep - I know this can be a sign of concussion so am watching her. Think she may be sleeping off shock and the adrenalin rush you get after such an accident.

However wondering what to do? I will try and rouse her to check not concussion but should I take her to A and E just for a check? If she is OK on waking are we alright to just get on with our day?

We were planning on a day at a local fete complete with bouncy castle but suppose I should avoid the bouncing in the circumstances?

It was awful. Bloody stairs.

drowsy after a knock on the head = A&E

just to be sure.

Personally I'd take her to A&E, particularly if there's any suggestion of a head injury or concussion.
Your poor DD. Hope she's ok.

she just fell down a flight of stairs and fell asleep?

you need to take her to A&E now

I would just keep an eye on her. You seem to know what to look for with regards to a head injury. Did she cry straight away?

I would go to the fete, but avoid the bouncy castle. If you are worried you can take her to A&E. Do you think she could have broken her cheek bone?

If she cried and was able to be comforted in the usual way, she's prob ok. Ice on the cheek, monitor head bump. If she is disorientated or sick when she wakes up, A&E. Keep an eye out for dilated pupils too. She's probably fine. Horrid experience for you both.

(I'm not an expert BTW)

Oh, and I wouldn't do bouncy castle unless she wakes up absolutely her normal self.

A+E.
when dd1 fell down the stairs that was the first thing docs + bil (paramedic) said.
head injury + drowsiness = a+e in any age.
Take her now + you'll be out before sat night rush + if she is fine you can go onto fair.

I do feel for you though, when dd1 went i was behind her with dd2 and i was hysterical. I had flashbacks forawhile even though she was absolutely fine.

Thanks - she sometimes falls asleep at this time anyway at a weekend.

Yes am worried about the cheekbone....If it is a normal sleep she would be awake in about half an hour, so may leave it just in case. May go an get get cheekbone checked anyway.

Thankyou all - will let you know how she is later.

Yes think the bouncy castle is out.

A&E just to be safe. I did exactly that when dd was about 3/4, she fell down the stairs and I took her in. They said it was the right thing to do and checked her all over, especially her spine and neck. Even now, I'd still take her in just to be safe.

How is she, fifitot?

Hope you're both over the fright! and safe..

Thankyou everyone. Touchwood - she seems fine. Slept for 2 hours but woke up and back to normal, eating, drinking etc. May have a bit of bruising to the soft bit of her cheek I think.

After umming and ahing about a and e rang NHS Direct before who said just to keep an eye on her as she seems fine. They did say to avoid anything strenuous which has been a bit difficult - she's very active.

Obviously will keep checking on her tonight (now in bed as usual) and if any probs take her in, in the morning.

I think she slid down the stairs on her side iyswim rather than tumbled which helped a bit and banged the chubby side of her cheek rather than her head, as no bump or redness there. obviously I need to keep an eye on her next couple of days.

I am more paranoid than ever about our bloody stairs now though - we will have to move to a bungalow!

Thanks for all the advice and info - greatly appreciated.

Glad she seems beter, is so scary.
fwiw after dd1 fell she went down teh stairs on her bum or her tummy for about a month(her decision). Took frigging ages in the morning but meant I didn't freak out every time

Hope she's feeling much better today! xxx

Yes back to normal today thanks.