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What first aid steps should you take for a possible broken facial bone?
Use first aid for a possible broken bone.
- Stop the bleeding. Facial injuries can bleed a lot, even if they are minor injuries.
- Stop any bleeding from the nose, mouth, or face to see what the injury is.
- Help an injured child stop crying. Crying increases blood flow to the face and can make a nosebleed or facial bleeding worse. If the child is crying, speak in a quiet, relaxed manner to soothe them.
- Give first aid for a suspected broken bone.
- Do not move misshapen facial bones. Moving the bones may make an injury worse, increase bleeding, or cause more problems.
- Apply an ice or cold pack right away.
- Seek medical care.
Facial fracture in children: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- Your child has a seizure.
- Your child passes out (loses consciousness).
- Your child has tingling, weakness, or numbness on one side of the body.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child has a severe headache.
- Your child develops double vision.
- Your child has a fever and stiff neck.
- Clear, watery fluid drains from your child's nose.
- Your child feels dizzy or lightheaded.
- Your child has new eye pain or changes in vision, such as blurring.
- Your child has new ear pain, ringing in the ears, or trouble hearing.
- Your child is confused, irritable, or not acting normally.
- Your child has a hard time standing, walking, or talking.
- Your child has new mouth or tooth pain or has trouble chewing.
- Your child has increasing pain even after taking pain medicine.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your child develops a cough, cold, or sinus infection.
- The symptoms from your child's injury are not steadily improving.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.