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What may increase your child's risk for a problem from a head injury?

Healthwise
By Jan Nissl, RN, BS

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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

Credits

Author Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Updated July 9, 2008
Last Updated: 07/09/2008

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