When a child bumps his or her head, it hurts, and the child will probably cry. With a little comforting, the crying usually stops, and soon the child is up and playing again.

When children have serious head injuries, they may cry as if they are in severe pain. Comforting a child may stop the crying for a few minutes, but uncontrollable crying soon returns. A visit to a health professional is usually needed if, 20 minutes after a head injury, you are unable to calm your child.