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Signs of Concussion in a Toddler - A Broadview

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A concussion is an injury to the head and brain. Read the below article to know more about the signs and symptoms of concussion in toddlers.

Written byDr. Subashree Aswini. B

Medically reviewed byDr. Abhishek Juneja

Published At May 5, 2023
Reviewed AtSeptember 13, 2023

Introduction:

Traumatic brain injury involves a blow to the head or skull. A skull is a bony covering that protects the brain from trauma. Cerebrospinal fluid provides a cushioning effect to the brain. The brain moves freely in the cerebrospinal fluid inside the skull. It moves back and forth when something hits the skull hard or in response to a shock.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is explained as follows:

  • A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the skull that shakes the brain against the skull's hard bone.

  • The skull contains the brain and cerebrospinal fluid. The cerebrospinal fluid cushions the brain. This sudden movement causes the brain to twist around.

  • The blow or hit changes the chemical nature of the brain cells. They can damage the nerves and blood vessels associated with the brain.

  • These chemical changes cause many side effects. Sometimes they resolve spontaneously, but later the symptoms arise very strongly.

  • A single concussion does not have a sufficient threshold to cause severe symptoms. After multiple concussions, there can be a noticeable level of threshold to produce severe symptoms and structural changes in the brain.

  • The symptoms can last for days, weeks, or months. A concussion occurs after a traumatic head injury on the head and neck.

  • Not every hit will cause a traumatic brain injury, but if the symptoms are intense, they should immediately be noted and treated. It is not life-threatening, but medical intervention is required as soon as possible.

Who Are Toddlers, and What Are the Risk Factors for Concussion?

Children between the age of 1 and 3 are called toddlers. After the baby’s first birthday, they are considered toddlers. Toddlers can perform activities such as climbing, jumping, gross motor skills, walking, crawling, running, squatting, playing games, etc. Toddlers can walk or crawl, roll, and fall. They can carry out so many activities that they have a high risk of concussion. It is very common for them to get hit on their heads. Playful activities can lead to severe head injuries. It is the age when they learn to be independent without others' help. They carry out many activities on their concussions do not happen only to athletes or youths. It can happen to anyone, including small children. Concussions are common at any age, for both girls and boys.

The risk factors for concussion include:

  • A fall from the hands of their parents or anyone.

  • Toddlers can get concussions by falling into something.

  • They can fall on objects like a table or chair.

  • Accidentally hit and ran through a wall while playing.

  • Fall from high to low land while playing.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion?

Since the children's brain is developing, they have a risk of developing traumatic brain injury when involved in sports or other activities. Children must be promptly evaluated after a potential injury to their head and provided with necessary accommodations at school during their recovery. Children recovering from a concussion need more rest and time away from sports activities and classes. The following signs and symptoms should be noted if the child had a recent traumatic event. They should be taken for immediate evaluation and treatment. The signs and symptoms include:

  • The baby starts crying when someone tries to move its head.

  • The child gets irritated on moving their head.

  • Bruise on the head.

  • Disturbance in sleeping.

  • Behavioral changes and mood swings.

  • Crying more than usual or excessive crying.

  • Disinterest in playing and other activities.

  • Lack of concentration and focus.

  • Confusion.

  • Dizziness.

  • Drowsiness.

  • Balance problems or trouble in waking.

  • Slurred speech.

  • Persistent vomiting.

  • A bruise on the baby's head.

  • Crying when the baby's head or neck moves.

  • Seizure.

  • Dilated pupils.

Immediate medical assistance is required if the baby has a concussion with the following symptoms:

  • Trouble waking up or if they can't wake up on their own.

  • Seizures.

  • Persistent vomiting.

  • A history of multiple concussions.

  • Slurred speech.

What Are the Post-Concussion Symptoms in a Child?

Children could develop complications or delayed healing if reinjured at the same spot. A second blow to the head in the same region while the initial concussion is healing can result in longer-lasting or more-severe symptoms. The potential long-term effects of concussions are still under research. Some risks are identified, but it is still unclear why few people have the symptoms and others do not. Repeated concussions can impact the post-concussion symptom risk. If the child develops any of the above-mentioned signs or symptoms after a head injury, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. Appropriate and properly fitted protective equipment, such as helmets, should be given during sports and other activities. Proper protective gear is an excellent option to help prevent concussions. The child's sports coach should know about the child's concussion history. The child can play the sport only if the sports coach allows it. After a proper medical consultation, the child is allowed to resume the sport and other activities. In case of doubts regarding the child's concussion, it is always better to seek professional help.

What Are the Diagnostic Tests Done for Concussion?

The following tests can help diagnose concussions:

  • Neurological Examination - It evaluates vision, hearing, strength and sensation, balance, and coordination.

  • Cognitive Testing - It involves the evaluation of memory and concentration.

  • Computerized Tomography (CT) - It is a standard test to examine the brain after injury. The cross-sectional images of the skull and brain are taken for evaluation.

What Is the Treatment for a Toddler Who Has a Concussion?

The following treatments are followed in a child with a concussion:

  • The child should rest completely and avoid sports or other physical activities.

  • Mental rest is also very essential after a concussion event.

  • They should not do anything that needs a lot of concentration, such as schoolwork.

  • They should limit their screen time, such as video games and television.

  • Many children experience disturbed sleep after a concussion.

  • Regular sleep routines should be followed. Parents should ensure their child is getting enough sleep.

  • Headaches are a very common problem after a concussion.

  • A hematoma is a blood collection that forms in the brain and squeezes it against the skull. Concussions can cause a hematoma. Hematoma is a medical emergency, and the child should be immediately rushed to a hospital.

  • Repetitive concussions can be dangerous.

Conclusion:

The children should be advised to rest after an event. Slowly normal activities can be carried out. The parents should take care of the child while playing sports to prevent a second concussion attack. Follow-up with a doctor once a month for a year because it would help a great deal for the cognitive assessment of the child and ensure everything is normal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A toddler may experience changes in their usual temperament and behavior following a concussion. For instance, a normally gregarious toddler may become quieter and less playful, or a typically gregarious child may withdraw and avoid interaction. A: Following a concussion, toddlers may become fussier, irritable, or withdrawn. They may also be clingy and have difficulty sleeping.

After a head injury, keep an eye out for vomiting, vertigo, or balance issues. There may also be indications such as sluggishness, unexpected tiredness, trouble focusing, or difficulty following directions. See a doctor if you see any of these.

Yes, after suffering a head injury, children may experience delayed concussion symptoms that manifest hours or even days later. Keep a close eye on your youngster, particularly if they stumble or hit their head. Toddlers may not always be able to express their emotions, so it is important to watch for any changes in their activity level or behavior.

Toddlers who have had a concussion may sleep more or less than normal. They could struggle to stay asleep or get to sleep. This could be the result of injury-related pain, discomfort, or headaches. See a doctor to rule out other reasons and ensure adequate recovery if sleep problems persist for over a few days.

Typical clumsiness consists of little scratches and bumps that quickly heal. Toddlers may fall from time to time, but they usually get back up quickly. On the other hand, a concussion may result in lingering symptoms like lightheadedness, trouble balancing, or trouble getting back up after falling. Keep an eye out for symptoms that worsen over time or keep coming back.

Should the kid exhibit any of these alarming symptoms, call the doctor immediately:


1.Unconsciousness (even momentarily).


2.Frequent episodes of vomiting.


3.Intense headache.


4.Convulsions.


5.Trouble waking up.


6.Slurred words.


7.Altered behavior.


Consult a physician within 24 hours for:


1.Persistent nausea or vomiting.


2.Feeling lightheaded or having trouble balancing.


3.Feeling sleepy or perplexed.


4.Modifications to sleep habits.

Definitely, yes! Even if a toddler's head injury does not cause them to lose consciousness, they may still have a concussion. Keep an eye out for further concussion symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, or behavioral abnormalities.

Fortunately, most concussions in toddlers recover completely and cause no long-term problems. Multiple severe concussions, however, can very seldom affect a child's ability to learn, remember things, or focus. Early detection, appropriate treatment, and prevention of more head injuries are essential to reducing risks. For specific guidance, speak with the physician about the long-term impact.

Indeed, avoiding activities that result in another bump or fall during recuperation helps prevent future injuries and promote healing. This includes playing contact sports, riding bikes without a helmet, roughhousing, and playing on playgrounds with climbing apparatuses.

It might be challenging to diagnose a concussion in a toddler, as they might not be able to express symptoms well. Physicians will probably rely on a thorough medical history of the injuries, a physical examination, and behavioral observations of the child. While imaging procedures such as CT (computed tomography) scans or X-rays are normally not required for simple concussions, they may be utilized to rule out additional problems.

A concussion typically heals in a few weeks to a month for toddlers. However, recuperation times might differ based on the severity of the damage. As the child's symptoms subside, it is crucial to heed the doctor's advice and gradually let them resume their regular activities.


The following are some variables that affect recovery time:


Injury Severity: Concussions of greater severity usually take longer to heal.


Age: Younger toddlers could heal a little more slowly than older ones.


Individual Variations: Some kids heal more quickly than others for unclear reasons.

Rest is essential for the brain to heal after a concussion. This first means minimizing screen time, steering clear of physically demanding activities, and letting your kid sleep as much as necessary. As the symptoms improve, gradually resume the activities, but avoid anything that might result in another head injury.

After a concussion, yes, toddlers can go through emotional changes. They may exhibit increased irritability, clinginess, or withdrawal. They can also have difficulty falling asleep or become angry quickly. Usually transient, these emotional shifts go away as the concussion recovers. However, it is crucial to be understanding and patient with the child during this period.


- Provide consolation and assurance to the child.


- Sustain a composed and dependable schedule. Maintaining consistency helps make your child feel comfortable and protected as they heal.


- Choose more calming hobbies, such as coloring, story reading, or playing with plush animals. Avoid anything that is very physically taxing or exciting.

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Dr. Abhishek Juneja

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