Very young children may not have the vocabulary to express how they’re feeling. All they know is they don’t feel good and they may not even recognize that they don’t feel good, but you’re going to notice it as a parent.
Are they more anxious? Are they irritable? Are they tired a lot? Do they need to go lie down? Are they angry a lot? These behaviors can be symptoms of both a head injury, and sometimes, from over-stimulation after a head injury.
The good news is that the brains of young children are flexible and often recover from injuries that would be more serious in adults. But sometimes they don’t, resulting in lifelong disabilities. Health sciences are just learning about the long-term effects of concussions in small children and adults. As the technology moves forward, we are going to see the advent of better screening to see the physical impacts of concussions on the brain through noninvasive imaging. We may be able to start seeing in some of the newer MRI scans injuries to the brain through concussions in much greater detail.
If your child has suffered a head injury, it’s important to watch for any symptoms that may indicate a more serious injury. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:
- Loss of consciousness: If your child loses consciousness, even briefly, seek medical attention immediately.
- Headache: Your child may complain of a headache, which can be a sign of a concussion or more serious head injury.
- Vomiting or nausea: Your child may feel nauseous or may vomit, which can be a sign of a head injury.
- Dizziness: Your child may feel dizzy or lightheaded, which can be a sign of a concussion or more serious head injury.
- Changes in behavior: Your child may exhibit changes in behavior, such as irritability, confusion, or difficulty concentrating.
- Changes in sleep patterns: Your child may have trouble sleeping or may sleep more than usual.
- Loss of balance or coordination: Your child may have difficulty maintaining balance or coordination.
- Slurred speech: Your child may have difficulty speaking clearly or may slur their words.
If you notice any of these symptoms after your child has suffered a head injury, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if your child appears to be uninjured, it’s still a good idea to have them evaluated by a medical professional to rule out any potential injuries or complications. Additionally, it’s important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you understand your legal options for pursuing compensation for your child’s injuries and damages.
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