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8 Month Old Child, Head Injury, Soft Bump In Parietal Region. X-ray Normal. Healing Time?
Hi Doctor,
I am a very concerned mom. My 8 month old fell 4 days ago (on Monday) while trying to stand by himself and bumped his head. He was perfectly fine after the fall and didn't even cry for long. The next day I felt a huge, soft bump on his head (which I now know to be hematoma of his scalp), on the parietal region of his skull. He was and is still acting normally, playing happily and eating and nursing well. On the Wednesday I was still concerned about the lump because it feels terrible so I took him to a doctor. X-rays were done and a skull fracture was ruled out (thank goodness). I am still very concerned though because this scalp hematoma feels terrible. How long can I expect it to be there for and what can I do to assist the healing of it? Is the lump painful for him?
Thank you
I am a very concerned mom. My 8 month old fell 4 days ago (on Monday) while trying to stand by himself and bumped his head. He was perfectly fine after the fall and didn't even cry for long. The next day I felt a huge, soft bump on his head (which I now know to be hematoma of his scalp), on the parietal region of his skull. He was and is still acting normally, playing happily and eating and nursing well. On the Wednesday I was still concerned about the lump because it feels terrible so I took him to a doctor. X-rays were done and a skull fracture was ruled out (thank goodness). I am still very concerned though because this scalp hematoma feels terrible. How long can I expect it to be there for and what can I do to assist the healing of it? Is the lump painful for him?
Thank you
Mon, 13 May 2013
Hello dear,
I have gone through your post in which you have mentioned that your 8 month old bumped his head, but did not cry for long & his X-ray has ruled out skull fracture, which shows a favorable prognosis.
You are right, the bump over the head after a fall is due to accumulation of fluid or blood (hematoma).
The blood cells accumulated are eventually broken down and absorbed in the body.
But this is a slow process & takes times to disappear completely.
So, there is no need to worry.
Till that time, symptomatic relief is obtained by giving analgesics, ice compression & adequate rest.
If it still persists or if he shows any other associated symptoms like vomiting, loss of consciousness, convulsions, etc...then it will be better to consult the Pediatrician.
Wishing your son a good health.
Thanks & take care.
I have gone through your post in which you have mentioned that your 8 month old bumped his head, but did not cry for long & his X-ray has ruled out skull fracture, which shows a favorable prognosis.
You are right, the bump over the head after a fall is due to accumulation of fluid or blood (hematoma).
The blood cells accumulated are eventually broken down and absorbed in the body.
But this is a slow process & takes times to disappear completely.
So, there is no need to worry.
Till that time, symptomatic relief is obtained by giving analgesics, ice compression & adequate rest.
If it still persists or if he shows any other associated symptoms like vomiting, loss of consciousness, convulsions, etc...then it will be better to consult the Pediatrician.
Wishing your son a good health.
Thanks & take care.
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