Signs Of A Concussion In Babies & Toddlers
How do you tell that your baby or toddler has had a concussion? Here is an article on the signs of a concussion in babies written by mother.
No matter how careful you are, children can still fall and sustain an injury to the head. Thanks to their vigorousness and playful nature, they are prone to falls, slips, collisions, and trips, which may cause them to suffer a blow to the head. However, they may be too young to tell you about their injuries or how they are feeling.
By definition, a concussion (also known as traumatic brain injury) is a head injury caused by a sudden blow that could disrupt the normal functioning of the brain. In most cases, concussions are benign, but they can cause long-term complications if severe and left untreated.
Causes Of Concussions In Babies
Several reasons can cause a concussion in a baby or toddler, thanks to their inability to protect themselves and their rudimentary reflexes. Here are a few causes:
Having a fall – Babies and toddlers can fall from the bed, chair, or even trip over an object while running around. If any of these happens, be sure to check for bruises or lacerations, as they may suggest a concussion.
An object falling on the head – Babies tend to hold heavy items without recognizing the danger they pose to them. A table lamp or any other item within their reach could fall on their head, causing an injury to their head. This could lead to a concussion.
Vehicle accident – Babies are at a higher risk of head injuries in car accidents since their heads are larger in proportion to their bodies. A concussion can also occur due to falling from a tricycle or bicycle.
Hitting head on an object – Babies and toddlers are more likely to hit their heads on objects in their way while crawling or walking. This is because they are not conscious of their surroundings, and therefore may walk head-first into objects.
Signs Of A Concussion In Babies
Since a concussion is a closed head injury and does not form a visible mark on the skull, it can prove challenging to understand if your baby has had one. It is therefore important for you to be on the lookout for any signs that can help you determine if an injury is really a concussion. Symptoms can include:
- Loss of consciousness – A blow to the head can lead to unconsciousness due to an injury to the neurons, affecting normal brain functioning.
- Dizziness and body balance issues – Babies might lose balance while crawling or walking, which indicates poor coordination in body movement.
- Loss of interest – Loss of interest in activities enjoyed before, like playing with toys, can be a sign of concussion. Be keen if the baby becomes unusually silent and calm.
- Crying excessively – Concussion feels like a dull, irritable pain, which could cause the baby to cry.
- Vomiting and nausea – The baby might throw up because they are unable to digest anything they eat. Older ones may complain about stomach problems.
- Dazed, confused, and slurred speech – Struggling to speak or understand instructions is also a common sign. Toddlers who are able to speak can struggle to form sentences or speak clearly.
- Sudden change in routine – Babies can change how and when they eat, sleep, and soil diapers.
- Stiffness – The body may seem stiff, and the limbs may seem to move involuntarily and in an unusual way.
- Fluid oozing from ears and nose – A concussion can cause damages to the blood vessels, which may lead to bleeding. If the baby shows no signs of flu but has blood coming out of the ears and nose, it could indicate a concussion.
- Seizures – The baby can suffer convulsions, fits, and crying loudly with violent body movements.
Effects Of A Concussion In Babies
Concussions tend to heal over time and typically do not cause serious health problems. However, it is important to get a head injury checked by a professional to determine the severity, and if necessary, ensure the baby receives proper treatment. Some long-term effects of a concussion are:
Loss of Developmental Progress
A concussion can alter the brain’s motor skills, causing the baby to show slow progress and inability to reach a certain milestone. They may also reach a milestone, only to forget it later on. If you suspect your child suffered a concussion, check whether there is a regression in skills and abilities.
Vertigo
Babies and toddlers who suffer a concussion can experience vertigo, a feeling of dizziness caused by a random stimulus. The condition can last for life, returning at intervals of days or weeks. Vertigo that results from a concussion is known as posttraumatic vertigo.
Poor concentration and Cognitive Disability
Toddlers may show trouble learning new words or skills, as well as lose concentration even in activities they like. The problem may persist and cause severe cognitive impairment and intellectual disabilities in the long run.
Problems Eating and Sleeping
The baby may have trouble eating and sleeping and generally alter their routine. In severe cases, they may develop insomnia.
Slow Growth of Head Circumference
Severe cases of concussion can pause the development of the head circumference for weeks. Growth resumes later but tends to lag in comparison to the rest of the body.
Preventing Concussions In Babies
Eliminating the risk of concussion is paramount in keeping your baby safe. The following are simple ways to prevent concussions in your baby or toddler:
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- Baby-proof your house – Make sure you remove elevated objects that can fall and cause head injury to the child. Also, don’t leave the edges of furniture exposed as they can hurt the baby. Additionally, be careful with the placement of carpets and doormats to keep the baby from slipping.
- Don’t leave the baby unattended – Babies are fidgety and can accidentally hold and move objects that can hurt them. Always ensure that your baby is under the supervision of an adult.
- Get a crib – Babies should sleep in cribs specifically designed for their age to prevent them from falling. Also, don’t let them sleep in regular beds alone as they can roll off the edges and fall.
- Have a baby car seat – Equip your car with a safety harness for the baby and always strap them securely to the seat, even when traveling a short distance.
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The Takeaway & Conclusion
While typically not life-threatening, a concussion in babies can have long-term effects if left unchecked. Paying attention to the baby, especially after an injury, can help you identify the signs of concussion early on. More importantly, never hesitate to make an appointment with your pediatrician if you happen to see signs of regression in development, confusion, grogginess, seizure, loss of consciousness, and fluid from the ears and nose.
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Medical Disclaimer
The information contained in this post is for general information purposes only.
Signs Of A Concussion In Babies & Toddlers is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.