Suggest Treatment For Linear Skull Fracture And Minor Internal Bleeding

Posted on Sun, 20 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 20 Apr 2014 Answered on

Sat, 10 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My 5 month old baby fell off the bed onto hard wood floor, after being taken to the er, we have found she has a linear skull fracture and minor internal bleeding. The doctors only observed her for 24 hours and released us home, telling us that no surgery is needed and that the internal blood will self absorb. What are the possibilities of permanent brain damage?

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: No worries for now, stay watchful Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for the query, I do understand that this could very disturbing. Brain trauma especially as such in baby requires to be treated with much caution. Bleeding in the brain is usually accompanied by certain signs and symptoms. These are usually vision difficulties, convulsions (fits), jet like vomiting and altered levels of consciousness. I do think coupled with the radiologic images, a better assessment can be made to ascertain the intensity of the bleeding. Your ER medical team for sure took these parameters into consideration. Mild bleeding in a child, with no symptoms after 24 hours are generally benign, heal fast and generally with no long term consequences. In very rare situations, chronic headaches and fits can be observed later in life. With mild bleeding however, this is very difficult. I really do not think you got to bother. I suggest however to remain watchful and report to your doctor any unusual clinical findings you might notice. This shall however be rare with mild bleeding. Kind regards Dr Bain

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj