Many conditions and diseases interfere with the ability to heal or fight infection. Your child may be at risk for a more serious problem from his or her symptoms if he or she has any of the following. Be sure to tell your child's health professional.

Conditions

• Babies younger than age 3 months
• Babies born prematurely. This risk continues until the child is 6 months older than when he or she was expected to be born.
• Previous brain surgery
• A previous head injury
• Alcohol or drug use by the child's caregiver

Diseases

• A brain tumor
• A seizure disorder, such as epilepsy, which may complicate the evaluation of a head injury
• Bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
• Cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy