Head Injury, Age 3 And Younger: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

Does your child have symptoms of a concussion?

See significance of symptoms of a concussion if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your child's symptoms.

Call your child's health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Has your child had changes in his or her behavior after a head injury?

Yes

Has your child been unable to talk or had trouble talking after a head injury?

Yes

Has your child been unusually sleepy, fussy, or irritable after a head injury?

Yes

Has your child had unsteadiness after a head injury that makes it hard for him or her to stand or walk?

You may wait to see if your child's symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Does your child have any symptoms that did not develop until 2 weeks after a head injury?

Yes

Has your child had symptoms for longer than 2 weeks after a head injury?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	July 09, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer