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seriousHead & face

Head injury

Most head bumps are minor. Knowing exactly what to watch for turns anxiety into readiness. You're doing the right thing by checking.
Serious — call 911 if in doubt

For children:

  • Step 4Monitor for concussion symptoms — 24 to 48 hours: Children may not tell you their symptoms. Watch for unusual crying, refusing to eat, not tracking you visually, or immediate desire to sleep after impact.
Steps

5 steps

  1. 1

    Assess immediately

    Is the person conscious? Can they speak? Do they know where they are and what happened? Confusion or memory gaps after a head impact are always significant.

    Important: Call 911 immediately if: any loss of consciousness even briefly, confusion that isn't clearing, seizure, fluid from nose or ears, or person cannot be woken.
  2. 2

    Immobilize if neck injury is possible

    If the injury involved a fall, vehicle accident, or high-impact force, do not move the person. Keep them still and call 911. Neck injury can exist alongside head injury.

  3. 3

    Ice for swelling

    For a simple bump with no loss of consciousness, apply wrapped ice for 20 minutes. A bump (goose egg) on the outside can actually mean impact absorbed at the surface, not deeper.

    Tip: A soft bump on the outside is less concerning than a skull that feels abnormally soft or indented at the impact point.
  4. 4

    Monitor for concussion symptoms — 24 to 48 hours

    Watch for: headache that gets worse over time, repeated vomiting, confusion, one pupil larger than the other, difficulty walking or speaking, extreme drowsiness, or memory problems.

  5. 5

    Concussion rest and follow-up

    Even mild concussions need complete physical and cognitive rest — no screens, no sport, no school until cleared by a doctor. Always see a doctor after any suspected concussion.

    Important: Wake the person every 2 hours through the first night after a head injury. If they cannot be woken, call 911 immediately.
Kit

What you'll need

  • Ice pack in cloth
  • Quiet dark room for rest
  • Phone for 911
Related

Head & face

Guidance only — in any emergency, call 911.