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KidsCare Online

Head Trauma (Injury)

Should I Call?

	Call 911 NOW (your child may need an ambulance) IF: Difficult to awaken. Confused thinking and talking. Slurred speech. Weakness of arms. Unsteady walking. A seizure (convulsion) occurred. Knocked unconscious for more than 1 minute. Not moving neck normally (Caution: protect the neck from any movement). Major bleeding that can't be stopped.
	Call Your Doctor NOW (night or day) IF your child has any ONE of the following: You think your child has a serious injury. Age less than 1 year old. Neck pain. Knocked unconscious for less than 1 minute. Had confused thinking, slurred speech, unsteady walking OR weakness of arms, BUT fine now. Blurred vision persists for more than 5 minutes. Skin is split open or gaping and may need stitches. Large swelling (larger than 1 inch or 2.5 cm). Large dent in skull. Bleeding that won't stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure. Injury caused by severe force or high speed involved (e.g., auto accident, fall from twice the child's height, blows from hard ball or golf club). Vomited 2 or more times since injury. Watery fluid dripping from the nose or ear while child not crying. Severe headache pain or crying. Can't remember what happened (amnesia). Action: If you are unable to reach your doctor - go to a nearby KidsCare clinic or to a local hospital Emergency Department. Use our Facility Search to find an urgent care clinic near you.
	Call Your Doctor WITHIN 24 HOURS (during regular daytime office hours) IF: You think your child needs to be seen. Headache persists for more than 3 days.
	Call Your Doctor DURING WEEKDAY OFFICE HOURS IF: You have other questions or concerns.
	Provide Care at Home to children for: Minor head injury and you don't think your child needs to be seen.