What do I need to watch after my 2 year old hits her head?

After your 2-year-old hits her head, it is important to watch for any signs of a concussion or other serious injury. Here are some things to keep an eye out for:

* Persistent vomiting. Vomiting more than once or twice in the hours after a head injury is a sign of a concussion and requires immediate medical attention.

* Seizures. Seizures are another sign of a serious head injury and require immediate medical attention.

* Unusual sleepiness or lethargy. If your child is unusually sleepy or lethargic after a head injury, this could be a sign of a concussion or other serious injury.

* Changes in behavior or personality. If your child's behavior or personality changes after a head injury, this could be a sign of a concussion or other serious injury.

* Difficulty speaking or understanding speech. If your child has difficulty speaking or understanding speech after a head injury, this could be a sign of a concussion or other serious injury.

* Vision problems. If your child has difficulty seeing or experiencing double vision after a head injury, this could be a sign of a concussion or other serious injury.

* Headache that does not go away. A headache that does not go away or gets worse after a head injury is a sign of a concussion or other serious injury and requires medical attention.

If your child exhibits any of these signs after hitting her head, it is important to take her to the emergency room or call 911 immediately.

In addition to watching for these signs, it is also important to keep your child quiet and still after a head injury. This can help to prevent further injury and allow your child's brain to rest and heal. You should also avoid giving your child any aspirin or ibuprofen, as these medications can thin the blood and make it more difficult for a head injury to heal.

If your child has a minor head injury and does not exhibit any of the signs listed above, you can usually treat it at home. Here are some tips for caring for your child at home:

* Keep your child quiet and still. This can help to prevent further injury and allow your child's brain to rest and heal.

* Apply a cold compress to the injured area. This can help to reduce swelling and pain.

* Give your child plenty of fluids to drink. This can help to prevent dehydration, which can worsen the symptoms of a head injury.

* Avoid giving your child any aspirin or ibuprofen. These medications can thin the blood and make it more difficult for a head injury to heal.

If your child's symptoms do not improve within 24 hours or if they worsen at any time, it is important to take your child to the doctor or emergency room.