(801) 442-2000
36 S. State Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84111Map

KidsCare Online

Head Trauma (Injury)

Home care advice for SCALP INJURIES:

Wound Care: If there is a scrape or cut, wash it off with soap and water. Then apply pressure with a sterile gauze for 10 minutes to stop any bleeding.
Local Cold: Apply a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a wet cloth for no more than 20 minutes to any swelling (big lumps are common).
Observation: Observe your child closely during the first 2 hours following the injury.
- Encourage your child to lie down and rest until all symptoms have cleared. (Note: mild headache, mild dizziness and nausea are common.)
- Allow your child to sleep if he wants to, but keep him nearby.
- Awaken after 2 hours of sleeping to check the ability to walk and talk.
Diet: Offer only clear fluids to drink, in case he vomits. Regular diet OK after 2 hours.
Avoid Pain Medicines: If the headache is that bad, he needs to be examined.
Special Precautions at Night:
- Awaken your child at your bedtime and again 4 hours later for 1 night.
- Check child's ability to walk and talk.
- After 24-48 hours, return to a normal routine.
Expected Course: Most head impact injuries only cause a scalp injury. The swelling may take a week to resolve. The local headache (at the site of impact) usually clears in 2 to 3 days.
IF your child becomes worse: Review Should I Call? recommendations.