Head Injury in Teens: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Fall - Family Medicine

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When it comes to head injuries, especially in teenagers, it is crucial to approach the situation with caution. Your son’s incident of hitting the back of his head can be concerning, even if there are no visible external injuries. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to manage this situation, when to seek medical attention, and what symptoms to monitor.


Initial Assessment and Observation
1. Immediate Symptoms: After a head injury, it is essential to monitor for immediate symptoms such as loss of consciousness, confusion, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, or any signs of neurological deficits (like weakness in limbs or difficulty speaking). Since your son did not experience these symptoms immediately, it is a positive sign, but it does not eliminate the need for careful observation.

2. Pain Management: The pain he is experiencing in the area where he hit his head could be due to a mild concussion or soft tissue injury. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen can be used to manage discomfort, but avoid giving him aspirin or ibuprofen unless advised by a healthcare professional, as these can increase the risk of bleeding.

3. Rest and Recovery: Encourage your son to rest and avoid strenuous activities, including sports or heavy physical exertion, for at least 24-48 hours. This rest period is crucial for recovery and to monitor any changes in symptoms.


Monitoring Symptoms
You should observe your son for the following symptoms over the next few days:
- Worsening Headache: If the headache intensifies or does not improve with rest and pain medication, it may indicate a more serious issue.

- Nausea or Vomiting: These can be signs of increased intracranial pressure or concussion.

- Dizziness or Balance Issues: Difficulty maintaining balance or feeling dizzy can indicate a concussion.

- Changes in Behavior or Cognition: Watch for confusion, irritability, or difficulty concentrating, which can be signs of a concussion.

- Sleep Disturbances: If he experiences excessive sleepiness or difficulty waking up, this is a red flag.

- Vision or Hearing Changes: Blurred vision or ringing in the ears can also be concerning.


When to Seek Medical Attention
You should seek medical attention if your son exhibits any of the following:
- Loss of consciousness, even briefly.

- Persistent or worsening headache.

- Repeated vomiting.

- Seizures.

- Confusion or difficulty waking up.

- Weakness or numbness in limbs.

- Any unusual behavior or significant changes in mood.

If any of these symptoms arise, it is advisable to visit an emergency department or urgent care facility. Given your son’s age, a pediatric emergency department would be appropriate, as they specialize in treating children and adolescents.


Follow-Up Care
If your son’s symptoms remain mild and do not worsen over the next 48 hours, you may not need to seek immediate medical attention. However, it is still wise to follow up with a healthcare provider, such as a pediatrician or a neurologist, for a thorough evaluation. They may recommend imaging studies, such as a CT scan, if there are concerns about internal injuries or bleeding.


Conclusion
In summary, while your son’s initial symptoms may not seem alarming, it is essential to monitor him closely for any changes. Encourage rest, manage pain appropriately, and be vigilant for any concerning symptoms. If in doubt, it is always better to err on the side of caution and consult a healthcare professional. Head injuries can sometimes have delayed effects, so ongoing observation is key to ensuring his safety and well-being.