Your child had an injury or blow to the head that required a hospital stay. While in the hospital, your child was watched closely and is now ready to go home.

Your child may or may not have had symptoms from the head injury while in the hospital (such as vomiting or headache). You will need to watch your child for the next few days for any new or worsening symptoms.

Here's how to care for your child.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for:

• Letting your child return to usual activities (They will need to add activities slowly. If the activity causes symptoms like a headache or dizziness, they should stop the activity. They can try the activity again in a few hours or the next day.)
• When your child can go back to all their activities, including sports
• Giving your child medicine for pain such as acetaminophen (Tylenol® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand). Follow the package directions for how much to give and how often.
• Whether your child needs to follow up with any specialists such as a neurologist (a doctor that specializes in injuries to the brain and spinal cord)

General instructions:

• If your child has a bump on their head, you can put ice wrapped in a cloth on the bump for 15 to 20 minutes, three or four times a day. Don't put ice directly on the skin.
• Your child can eat their usual diet. If they vomit, give them clear liquids (such as water or broth) and call your healthcare provider.
• Let your child rest as needed.

Your child:

• Is more cranky than usual
• Has changes in eating or sleep patterns
• Has a headache or feels dizzy
• Has trouble concentrating or can't think clearly
• Feels sick to their stomach or vomits
• Is stumbling
• Isn’t acting like themselves or responding to you in their usual way 

You know your child best. If something doesn’t feel right or they have symptoms that bother you, call your healthcare provider or take your child to the ER.

Your child:

• Is hard to wake up
• Vomits again and again
• Has a seizure (unusual jerking movements)
• Has trouble breathing
• Has a very bad or worsening headache
• Isn't speaking clearly or walking normally

Does my child have a concussion (brain injury)? A concussion is a brain injury that leads to symptoms. So if your child had symptoms like headache, confusion, dizziness, vision changes, vomiting, or tiredness, they may have a concussion. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are unsure if your child has a concussion.

How can I prevent head injuries in kids and teens? Here are some important ways to help keep your child safe:

• Make sure your child wears a properly fitting helmet for riding a bike, scooter, or skateboard; playing sports; and skiing.
• Talk to coaches to make sure that all teams your kids play on have rules to lower the risk of head injuries such as limits on tackling (football) or heading the ball (soccer). Also make sure that the coach will take your child out of play if a head injury happens.
• Always use the right booster seat or seatbelt for your child’s age and size.
• Choose playgrounds with soft surfaces like mulch or rubber.