bleeding in the brain · 21 August 2026 · a6c81b7dcc71
Synthetic sample — not a real patient
We are worried about bleeding in the brain. About 50 in 10,000 children like your child have this (0.5%).
The picture we are talking about is a CT scan, a special kind of X-ray that takes detailed pictures.
If we take the picture
480 in 10,000
If we take the picture and it looks like bleeding in the brain is there, about 480 in 10,000 children like your child would truly have it (4.8%).
If we take the picture and it does not show bleeding in the brain, about 10 in 10,000 children like your child would still truly have it (0.1%).
The picture uses X-rays. The extra chance of cancer from those X-rays is about 8 in 10,000 children like your child (0.08%).
This picture can also find a spot we were not looking for, which we were not looking for. About 400 in 10,000 children like your child then need more tests because of that extra finding (4%).
This picture may cost you about 125 dollars from your own pocket. That dollar figure is modeled, not a bill.
If we wait and watch
50 in 10,000
If we do not take the picture today, about 50 in 10,000 children like your child have bleeding in the brain (0.5%).
If we miss bleeding in the brain today, pressure in the head can rise and that can become life-threatening without urgent care.
If we wait and watch, the plan is stay with a trusted adult, rest in a quiet room, and wake to check alertness.
Either choice is reasonable. You and your doctor can decide together.
Questions for your doctor (write them here):
The chances written as "N in D" come from published studies [measured]. Any dollar figure is an estimate of what you might pay [modeled], not a bill. The method that turns those studies into these numbers is published at /evidence/methodology.