What are the signs of head injury in infants?

Bulging fontanels and distended scalp veins are indicative signs of increased intracranial pressure in infants, which can occur as a result of a head injury. In infants, the fontanels—the soft spots on a baby's skull—are normal anatomical features that allow for brain growth. When there is significant pressure within the skull, one might observe the fontanels bulging outwards. Additionally, distended scalp veins can signify that the body's normal venous drainage is compromised due to the increased pressure, further suggesting a serious condition that requires immediate medical assessment.

In contrast, while nausea and vomiting can be associated with head injuries in older children and adults, they are less specific and common in infants. Severe headaches and agitation are difficult to assess in very young children, who may not articulate their discomfort in these terms. Pallor and confusion may occur with a variety of conditions, not exclusively head injuries, and thus are less definitive indicators. Consequently, the combination of bulging fontanels and distended scalp veins serves as a critical warning signal of a potential head injury in infants, indicating the need for prompt evaluation and intervention.