Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services or go to an emergency department for a seizure, difficulty waking, loss of consciousness, breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, or rapidly worsening symptoms.
Fever with a bulging fontanelle, marked drowsiness, a stiff neck, or a new rash also requires emergency assessment because it may indicate a serious infection.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Arrange a prompt appointment if you notice a new or increasing gap between the skull bones, an unusual head shape, or head growth that seems rapid.
This is important even if the child otherwise appears well.
Seek urgent same-day medical assessment for:
A soft spot that remains tense or bulging while the child is calm
Repeated vomiting, poor feeding, or increasing irritability
Unusual sleepiness, reduced responsiveness, or loss of skills
Eyes that repeatedly appear fixed downward
New concerns after a head injury
A child with a shunt who develops possible pressure symptoms
New symptoms should not wait for the next scheduled visit.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
For a child with a known, stable skull finding and no new symptoms, keep the planned routine follow-up appointments.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Sutures - separated. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.