<p> Akron Children’s Hospital School Health Services</p><p>BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS</p><p>It is always concerning to see your child sustain an injury, especially a head injury. Head injuries fall into two categories: external (usually scalp injuries) and internal (may involve the skull, the blood vessels within the skull or the brain). </p><p>Here are some frequently asked questions from parents when their child is injured:</p><p>1. My child developed a “goose egg.” How should I treat it? A “goose egg” or swelling that may appear after a head blow is the result of the veins leaking fluid or blood into or under the scalp, which may take weeks to disappear. If your child is alert and behaving normally, apply an ice pack to the area for 20 minutes. Wrap ice in a cloth or a sock. Applying ice directly to the skin may cause frostbite. Repeat as needed. </p><p>2. My child tripped and struck his head on the table edge, blood began to pour down his face. What should I do? Press a folded cold pad or wet towel directly over the bleeding area to stop the flow of blood. Assess your child’s mental status: Is he awake? Alert? Groggy? If ok, clean wound and cover with bandage. If not ok, take your child to the emergency room. When does a wound need stitches? If the wound is shallow, i.e. involving just the outer layers of skin, the edges fall together easily, or it can be easily closed together with a bandage, it most likely doesn’t need stitches. Deeper cuts when underlying tissue can be seen between the wound edges will usually require stitches. </p><p>3. What is a “concussion” and what do I do if my child is hit in the head with significant force? A “concussion” is a shaking up of the brain caused by a fall or blow to the head. Signs of a concussion are headache, vomiting, dazed appearance, dizziness, difficulty answering questions, or pupils of unequal size. A child showing these symptoms needs to be immediately taken to a doctor’s office or emergency room. Call 911 if the child is unconscious or non-responsive, experiencing abnormal breathing, or cannot stop bleeding. </p><p>4. How do I keep my child safe from head injuries? It is impossible to prevent kids from ever being injured, but there are ways to help prevent head injuries. </p><p> Child-proof your home to prevent household accidents.  Encourage your child to wear appropriate head gear and safety equipment for biking, in-line skating, skateboarding, snowboarding or skiing, and playing contact sports. Wearing a bike helmet reduces the risk of concussion by 85%! Remember, helmets are only made for one fall. Even if the fall is minor, if your child hits his head with the helmet on, it needs to be replaced.  Children should always use age appropriate seat belt or child safety belt.  A MUST!! Your child MUST take it easy after a head injury, especially after a concussion and doesn’t return to rough play or playing sports until the injury is healed. </p><p>5. What happens if my child bumps his head at school? The medical staff will check your child after a head injury. They will check for severe headache, alertness, dizziness, unusual behavior, pupil changes, nausea, change in coordination, blood, or fluid draining from the ears. If none of these symptoms are visible and a “bump” is starting to appear, ice will be applied for 20 minutes. You will be contacted to continue to look for any of theses symptoms at home. ( A Head Injury Form will be sent home with your child) Your child will be sent home if any symptoms surface at school. rev 030812</p>