Head Injury in Children

Your child has had a mild head injury, but they are allowed to go home.

This leaflet tells you how to care for your child.

Problems after a head injury may not always occur straight away. There may be a delay in symptoms developing. If it is thought this may be the case for your child, they will be admitted to hospital for observation (regular checks). It is still important you are aware of the symptoms in case a problem arises, so action can be taken, if needed.

Children with mild head injuries may be a little sleepier than usual. They should, however, be talking normally, opening their eyes and be able to move their arms and legs unless there are other injuries that do not allow movement. They may also complain of a headache and occasionally vomit (be sick).

A child who is too young to describe a headache may be irritable and not like being handled.

It is important:

• you try to keep your child quiet and avoid active play at first
• your child is not left without adult supervision.

It is alright for your child to:

• eat and drink as normal
• go to sleep, but you should make sure they are able to be woken regularly.

Remember, you know your child best. If you have any concerns or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Accident and Emergency department where staff will be pleased to help.

Contact numbers

University Hospital of North Tees

Children and Young Person’s Emergency Department

24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Telephone: 01642 624533

Further information available from:

NHS Choices

Telephone: 111 (when it is less urgent than 999).

Calls to this number are free from landlines and mobile phones or via the website.

Information used in the development of this leaflet:

Head injury: assessment and early management, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Clinical guideline NICE NG 232 ‘Head Injury: assessment and early management’

Head injury, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Quality standard [QS74], Published: 23 October 2014.

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]