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Bump or blow to the head - Children

Infants (Ages 0–2)Children (Ages 3–17)Adults (Ages 10–74)Seniors (Ages 75 and Older)

What it is

A bump or blow to the head refers to any sudden impact to the head. For example: an object hits the head, or the head hits the ground during a fall.

What you can do at home

What to do
  • Position yourself comfortably. Ask for help if you need it.  
  • If there is a small wound, clean it gently with mild soap and rinse. If it is bleeding a lot, apply pressure to the injury with a clean cloth for 15 minutes. Once the bleeding stops, apply a bandage if possible.  
  • If you have a bump or a bruise, press a cold washcloth to it for 15 minutes. 
  • If you are in pain, you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) if there are no contraindications. Ask your pharmacist for advice. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen.   
  • Keep an eye on your symptoms (headache, dizziness, nausea, unusual fatigue, blurred vision, loss of balance) for the first two hours after the incident. 
    • If it’s bedtime, rest. But if you are under 11 years old, ask someone to wake you to make sure you are acting normally (walking, speaking, reacting as usual). Otherwise, choose calm activities and eat small meals.  
  • Keep an eye on your symptoms for 3 days. Inform the school if necessary. 

When to seek medical attention

If you have any of these signs:
  • the wound requires stitches (the wound is too large or too deep to close and heal on its own); 
  • the wound shows signs of infection: the skin around the injury becomes red, swollen, or hot, or pus (yellow or green liquid) appears;   
  • the wound was caused by a rusty object.  

Call 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse, or contact a healthcare professional (pharmacist, doctor, or nurse practitioner), if any of the signs listed above apply.

When to go to the hospital right away

If you fell from more than one metre or down more than 5 steps.
If you have consumed drugs or alcohol.
You lost consciousness or you feel very confused.
You can’t stop the wound from bleeding.
You were physically attacked (fight, punch).
You have any one of these symptoms (up to 3 days after being injured):

Convulsions, confusion, difficulty breathing, difficulty walking, balance problems or muscle weakness, difficulty speaking, severe head or neck pain, fluid coming from the nose or ears, pupils (black circle in the eye) of different sizes, tingling in an arm or leg, bruise behind the ear or black eye, vomiting. 

Need help?

Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time.   

Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment.   

  • Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.   

If you do not have a family doctor, go to https://gap.soinsvirtuels.gouv.qc.ca/en or call 811, Option 3. 

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