When to Worry After a Child’s Minor Head Injury – Tips from a Paediatrician in Gozo, Malta

If your child has experienced a minor head injury and doesn’t need hospital observation, here’s what you should know: 

✅ At home care

• It’s fine for your child to sleep—rest supports healing.

• Ensure they can state their name and location, appropriate for their age.

• Keep them close by, observe them carefully, and provide plenty of comfort and mild pain relief.

🚨 Monitor for warning signs

In the next few days, seek immediate medical attention (call emergency services or visit your doctor/hospital) if your child shows any of the following:

• Unrelenting headache despite pain relievers

• Vomiting more than 2–3 times a day

• Excessive sleepiness, confusion, sudden personality changes, or agitation

• Weakness, balance issues, or reduced coordination

• Drowsiness that doesn’t improve, or difficulty waking

• Loss of consciousness or seizure activity

• Persistent irritability

• Clear or bloody discharge from the nose (or ears)

These are red‑flag symptoms that demand prompt assessment.

🗓️ What to expect

Minor head injuries often cause temporary symptoms—like headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, irritability, or trouble concentrating—that can last up to a week or more . Most resolve with:

• Rest,

• Mild pain relief (e.g. paracetamol or ibuprofen, as directed),

• Reduced screen time, quiet activities, and easy supervision.

🩺 When symptoms persist

If symptoms linger beyond a week—or if you remain concerned—contact your doctor. Sometimes, further medical evaluation is necessary to determine the next steps.

Bottom line:

• Let your child rest and sleep.

• Know the red‑flag symptoms and seek help if they appear.

• Mild symptoms are normal and manageable at home.

• Don’t delay contacting a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or your intuition tells you something isn’t right.

Stay close, stay calm, and take action when necessary—your child’s recovery is the most important thing.