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Can Subdural Hematoma Occur In An Infant?

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Posted on Tue, 12 Sep 2017
Question: Hi,
My baby fell on the side of her face while crawling on tile flooring. She cried hard for 2 minutes and back to normal activities. Are there any chances for a head injury?what symptoms should i look out for and should i moniter beyond 24 hours for slow bleeding? I know the height if fall is not even 10 inches and she landed on her cheeks but im worried because as she is learning to walk she keeps tumbling often atleast twice a week. Can there be a serious injury when baby falls from sitting position? I mean if she falls from a height less than her height. Can subdural hematoma occur in 1 year olds? Should i just watch for symptoms? How to know if she is having dizziness? What does it mean if she is difficult to awaken her? Does it mean if i cant get her to sit up and open her eyes it means she is not awake? When i try to wake her up she changes her sleep position or turns to the other side? The fall happened at 8 and till jow no symptoms.. she went to bed at 12.30 which is her usual sleeping time? No visible bump on head. Her cheeks were pink for a couple of minutes after fall and then back to normal. Possibilities of cheekbone injury? She lets me touch her cheeks and is not cranky at all.. please advice how to differentiate minor falls n serious falls
doctor
Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Wait and watch for ominous signs of head injury

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. Let me assure you that going by the description things do not appear unusual. If 'head injury' occurs, it will not be without manifestations. The main concern could be the ominous signs of head injury which are:
* Vomiting
* Severe headache
* Altered consciousness or Loss of consciousness
* Convulsions

I assume that none of these have occurred. Unless any of these are present you need not worry. If any of these occur, you would need to get a CT scan of the brain done. I do not suppose that a subdural hematoma could occur and unless there are these ominous signs you have no reason to worry.

In case of dizziness the child will rather be crying continuously. I do not suppose that dizziness is the main concern here. The fact that she changes position while you try to wake her, is quite normal and nothing to be concerned about.
If cheekbone injury occurs, it would have shown as a dent. I assume that is not the case here.

Give paracetamol or acetaminophen in case the child is irritable due to pain.

Please do not panic. Let me know if I could help further.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (7 hours later)
How long should i watch out for symptoms? Is it possible for the symptoms to show up after weeks?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Disruptive effects (if they are to occur) would occur at the earliest

Detailed Answer:
You need to understand what could go wrong. The fact is that there is a possibility of internal bleeding occurring. But if it really occurs, do you think that it will not manifest? It will practically manifest immediately and would be more severe at the onset. Since that is evidently not the case, you can practically assume that there is nothing wrong at all. However, it is good to keep the eyes open.

It is simply not possible that symptoms would suddenly show up after weeks all of a sudden. If disruptive effects are to occur, they would be evident at the earliest.

Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Diptanshu Das

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3875 Questions

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Can Subdural Hematoma Occur In An Infant?

Brief Answer: Wait and watch for ominous signs of head injury Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. Let me assure you that going by the description things do not appear unusual. If 'head injury' occurs, it will not be without manifestations. The main concern could be the ominous signs of head injury which are: * Vomiting * Severe headache * Altered consciousness or Loss of consciousness * Convulsions I assume that none of these have occurred. Unless any of these are present you need not worry. If any of these occur, you would need to get a CT scan of the brain done. I do not suppose that a subdural hematoma could occur and unless there are these ominous signs you have no reason to worry. In case of dizziness the child will rather be crying continuously. I do not suppose that dizziness is the main concern here. The fact that she changes position while you try to wake her, is quite normal and nothing to be concerned about. If cheekbone injury occurs, it would have shown as a dent. I assume that is not the case here. Give paracetamol or acetaminophen in case the child is irritable due to pain. Please do not panic. Let me know if I could help further. Regards