Head Injury, Age 3 and Younger

When To See a Doctor

You have answered Yes to:

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.

Yellow telephone logo

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 behaviour for longer than 24 hours after a head injury?

Yes

Has your child been unable to talk or had trouble talking for longer than 24 hours after a head injury?

Yes

Has your child been very sleepy, fussy, or irritable for longer than 24 hours after a head injury?

Yes

Has your child had unsteadiness for longer than 24 hours after a head injury that makes it hard for him or her to stand or walk?


Green wait logo

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.



Author: Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNCLast Updated: September 15, 2006
Medical Review: William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics

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