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Making a difference in the lives� of children, youth and families�

Minor Head Injuries

How do we take care of our child at home?• Makesureyourchildorteengetsenoughrest• Cutbackonyourchild’sactivitiesuntilheisfeeling‘backtonormal’.• Letyourchildeatanddrinkastheywish.• Giveacetaminophen(Tylenol®,Tempra®)oribuprofen(Advil®,Motrin®)forheadacheasneeded.

Should we wake our child up during the night?Askyourdoctorifthisisneeded.

When can my child go back to gym clas�s� and s�ports�?Yourdoctorwillbeabletotellyouwhenyourchildcangobacktotheseactivities.

Fevermedicinescomeindifferentconcentrations(thenumberofmgofmedicineineachmL,tabletorsuppository).Checktheconcentrationonthebottle,andreadthepackagedirectionscarefully.

Mychild’sweight___________

Acetaminophen(Tylenol®,Tempra®,Panadol®,Atasol®)Dose:10-15mg/kgin4hours.Nomorethan6dosesin24hours.Mychild’sdose:_______

Ibuprofen(Advil®,Motrin®)Donotgivetobabiesunder6monthsofage.Dose:10mg/kgin6-8hours.Nomorethan4dosesin24hours.

Mychild’sdose:________

How much should l give?

Form#P4099EMay2009

What is� a minor head injury?Aminorheadinjuryiscausedbyahittothehead,butdoesn’tcauseseriousproblems.Sometimesmoreseriousproblemsshowupafewhoursorafewdaysafteryourchildgothit.Itisimportanttowatchyourchildorteencarefullyforthenextfewdays,sothatyoucanbringherbacktothehospitalrightawayifneeded.

After a minor head injury, your child may:• Haveamildheadache• Feelsicktoherstomach(nausea)forashortwhile• Throwuponceortwice• Feelabitdizzyorlightheaded

www.cheo.on.ca

Want more info?Numbers to know

When to bring your child or teen to hospitalBabies� and Toddlers�BringyourbabytotheEmergencyDepartmentrightawayifyourbaby:• Isnotfeedingwell• Keepsonthrowingup• Isveryfussy,cryingorhardtocomfort• Isverydrowsyandhardtowakeup• Hasabulgingorswellingonthesoftspotontopof

thehead(fontanelle)• Behavesinanunusualway

Children and YouthBringyourchildtotheEmergencyDepartmentrightawayifyourchild:• Saystheirheadacheisgettingworse• Keepsonthrowingup• Isverydrowsyorhardtowakeup• Hastroubleseeing,hearing,speakingor

walking• Losesherbalance• Doesnotknowhisname,wheresheisorthe

timeofday• Behavesinanunusualway

How can we prevent head injuries� in the future?• Us�e a helmet.Awellfittinghelmetcanpreventupto85%ofsportsrelatedheadinjuries.

• Do not leave babies� on s�ofas� or change tables�. Fallsfromfurniturecausemanyinjuriestoyoungchildren.Alwayskeeponehandonbabieswhentheyareonachangetable.

• Keepbabiesinbouncychairsorcarseatsonthefloor.Weseealotofbabieshurtwhentheseatthey’reinfallsoffatableorcounter.

• Stay clos�e to children whentheyareonplaygroundequipment(eveninyourbackyard).Don’tletchildren5andyoungerclimbhigherthan5feetfromtheground.

• Keep crib s�ide rails� up. Placecribsawayfromwindows,balconiesandotherfurniture

• Us�e gates�tokeepbabiesandyoungchildrenawayfromthestairs.

Call 911!Call911if:• Youcannotwakeyourchild• Itisverydifficulttowakeyourchild• Yourchildhasaseizure(childisunconscious,withviolentbodyshaking)

Yourfamilydoctor:_______________

TelehealthOntario1-866-797-0000HealthInformationfromRegisteredNurses,24hoursaday,7daysaweek

TTY:1-866-797-0007

Check out thes�e webs�ites�:

www.cheo.on.caFollowthelinkstoHealthInformationA-Z

www.safekidscanada.cawww.thinkfirst.ca

911