Concussions in Children
Children bump their bodies and their heads all the time. Most of the time they shake it off and keep playing BUT sometimes it is more than a bump. More than a million children suffer a concussion each year. Read on to learn more about concussions in children. It's important to recognize the signs so you can get help.
More Than a Boo Boo?
Children are often falling down, falling off of their scooters, and tumbling off the swings. Bumps, bruises, and minor cuts are common and a part of childhood for many active kids. Kids are resilient and heal quickly. My kids typically need a quick hug and kiss and then they are back on their way.
While most bumps are minor, bumps to the head can be more serious. In some cases, a bump to the head can cause a concussion.
A concussion is an injury to the brain caused by a hit the head, a hit to the area around the head, or the head hitting against an object.
The brain is made of soft, squishy tissue surrounded by fluid that helps to provide a protective cushion. Sometimes when the head is hit, it causes the the brain to bump against or twist inside the skull. When this happens, brain cells can be stretched or damaged and this impacts the brain’s ability to properly function.
Medical providers may describe a concussion as a “mild” brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening. Even so, the effects of a concussion can be serious. — Center for Disease Control
Concussion Symptoms
Symptoms of a concussion can vary depending on the age of the person. Most people who have a concussion will have observable changes in their behavior and many older children report that they feel these changes too. These symptoms may not happen immediately after the injury — children may seem fine for a few minutes and then an hour later feel confused or nauseous.
Observable Changes May Include:
- Difficulty remembering events around (before or after) their head injury
- Seeming stunned
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty with memory for learning
- Slowed response time and needing more time to respond
- Clumsy movements
- Mood or personality changes
- Loss of consciousness even for a moment *
- Vomiting *
- Seizures *
* These symptoms are more severe and can be indicative of a more severe brain injury. If observed, caregivers should take the child (or adult) to the emergency room straight away.
Common Reported Symptoms:
- Headaches or feeling of pressure
- Feeling nauseous
- Feeling dizzy
- Blurry vision
- Feeling tired or groggy
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Light sensitivity
Concussion Symptoms in Young Children
Signs of a concussion can be difficult to determine in younger children. Many toddlers are just learning to walk so they are unbalanced at their baseline. It is important for caregivers to keep a careful and watchful eye after a small child hits their head. Common observed behaviors include:
- Extreme fussiness
- Decreased engagement
- Quieter play
- Decreased eating or nursing
- Touching their head (think headache) or tummy (think nausea)
- Changes in sleep
- Toileting accidents
- Clumsy movements
How to Respond
If you think your child has a concussion, call their pediatrician right away to get support.
While calling your pediatrician, take note of any symptoms or changes in behavior that you notice. Their pediatrician will need to know what these are to make recommendations.
For more severe symptoms, the doctor will likely recommend taking your child to the emergency room. For more minor symptoms, they may ask you to bring them into the clinic the next day. The medical team at your child’s pediatrician will provide support and recommendations of how to proceed.
While you are calling the pediatrician, it is important that you do not leave your child alone or allow them to return to activity until you are able to check in with their doctor.
Symptoms may change quickly and it is important to be there to support them. If your child is playing a sport at the time of their injury, they should be taken out of the game.
What is the Treatment?
Your child’s pediatrician will make recommendations based on their symptoms and their examination. Recommendations will be individualized and are not one-size-fits-all. Adherence to recommendations will help to expedite recovery.
A common treatment involves resting at home in a quiet space. Loud, bright, and noisy environments, such as school or daycare, can exacerbate symptoms. Screen time such as watching television and playing on a tablet should be minimum. Additionally, it is important to avoid physical activity that could put the child at risk for another head injury.
As they start to feel better, your child’s doctor will recommend a gradual return to activities such as schoolwork, walks, and other non strenuous activities. When returning to activities, it is important to monitor symptoms. If an activity is making your child feel irritable then limit the amount of exposure.
Many children and teens will feel better in a couple of weeks but some may have symptoms that last longer. It is important to keep in contact with their healthcare provider to monitor their status.
Here’s the Takeaway Message:
Concussions, also known as minor brain injuries, are caused by a hit to the head or the area around the head. In young children, falls are the most common cause of concussions. A variety of symptoms can arise immediately following a fall or hit to the head but also may be noticed in the days following. It is important to know the symptoms to watch for and to contact your child pediatricians if you think they may have a concussion. If your child exhibits more severe symptoms such as vomiting, loss of consciousness, or seizures take them to the emergency room for immediate treatment.
Disclaimer :)
As a speech therapist, I have extensive experience working with children and adults with concussions and brain injuries. The information shared in this blog is information that I am glad to know as a mother. This article is based on my professional experience treating brain injuries and scientific literature but is not meant as medical advice, is intended for informational purposes and should not be treated as medical advice. If you ever have any concerns, please consult with a physician.
TLC Speech Therapy is a speech pathology private practice, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in feeding, swallowing, and communication skills in infants, children, teens, and adults.
For more information check out our website at tlcspeechtherapy.com or contact us at hello@tlcspeechtherapy.com
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