Concussion In Children
Concussion In Children: Hearing What They Can’t Tell You
If you have younger, active children, then you know how easily they can get into trouble and cause injury to themselves, and concussion in children is therefore rather common. This certainly doesn’t make us feel any better when it does happen, however, and there are a few things that you need to watch very closely if your little one has suffered a concussion. In children below the age of three, there are a great many issues that they may not be able to verbalize, so it will be your duty to determine whether or not he is having difficulties with everyday, ordinary functions. Once the mild brain trauma has occurred, there will be a lull in normal brain function and capability for sometimes two weeks afterward.
Concussion in children can be mild to severe, depending on the force of the fall or blow landed on their vulnerable little head bones, so it always recommended that medical attention be sought right away. There doesn’t need to be blood, bruising, or swelling in order for concussion in children to happen, and your doctor will be able to educate you further on what your little one is going through. MRI’s are usually done when there is the chance of a more severe brain injury, but even with a mild concussion there are long term risks possible to your child, so taking chances is not recommended. Play it safe, and be on the lookout at home for excessive symptoms which could lead to bigger troubles.
With concussion in children, it is normal for them to seem a bit more cranky, and most parents will report that their child seems rather “out of it.” they may have difficulty concentrating or focusing, even on their favorite toy, book, or movie. Loss of appetite can also occur, and your little one may seem listless and inconsolable at times. Tylenol is often the only medication allowed after concussion in children, and if your child is suffering the pain of a headache you will want to keep him medicated for at least two days. Any other medications will be discussed with your doctor, though most are dismissed until the immediate danger passes.
The more severe and urgent symptoms of concussion in children may take some hours or days to show up, and it is recommended that you get him right back into the doctor should they present. Vomiting more than three times during one day, staggering or falling when attempting to walk, difficulty waking or loss of consciousness, and loss of mobility, hearing, or sight are signs that the conditioning may be worsening, and that additional swelling may be interfering with proper brain recovery.