Can a baby get a skull fracture from falling?
The typical skull fracture caused by a short distance fall is single, narrow, linear, and located in the parietal bone. An accidental fall onto an object or against an edged surface from less than 5 feet can result in a depressed skull fracture in a young child.
How do you know if a baby has a fractured skull?
Physical signs of a more severe skull fracture in a newborn may include swelling, a lump, or a depression on the head. There may be bruising around the eyes or fluid or blood coming out of the baby’s ears or nose. A more serious skull fracture may cause brain damage or a traumatic brain injury.
Do infant skull fractures heal on their own?
In most cases of a linear skull fracture in an infant, no treatment is needed. The fracture and any damage it caused to the brain will heal in time. With a more severe linear fracture, treatment may be necessary depending on the impact the fracture has on the brain.
How long does a skull fracture take to heal in a baby?
Skull fractures can take three to six months to heal completely. They usually heal faster in younger children. Have your child avoid rough sports until the doctor tells you it is OK to begin again. Your child may need a follow-up CT scan to make sure the skull fracture is healing properly.
Can a baby falling on her head cause brain damage?
Babies’ heads are easily damaged, and their neck muscles are not strong enough to control the movement of the head. Shaking or throwing a baby can cause the head to jerk back and forth. This can make the skull hit the brain with force, causing brain damage, serious vision problems, or even death.
How strong is baby skull?
Scientists from the University of Pennsylvania have determined that the young skull is only an eighth as strong as an adult one. They also found that the skulls are far more easily deformed by blows to the head, making the babies’ brains more vulnerable to injury.
When should I take my baby to the doctor after a fall?
You should call your doctor after any fall from a bed if your baby is under 1 year old. If you don’t immediately see any signs of injury, put your child at ease. Once your baby has calmed, you’ll also want to inspect their body for any injuries or bruising.
How do babies get fractured skulls?
A skull fracture is caused by an injury or trauma to the head. A child may have fallen from a height, such as in a playground, and hit their head. Most skull fractures in children are caused when children are playing.
How do babies get skull fractures?
Skull fractures are common injuries in young children, typically caused by accidental falls and child abuse.
How do you treat a broken skull in a child?
A cut from the injury may be treated with antibiotic ointment and a bandage. A large cut may be closed with stitches. A more serious injury may mean your child may need treatment right away. Or your child may need to stay in the hospital to be watched.