Signs of a concussion in preschool children
Concussion symptoms in a child: information for parents
Concussion is the most common diagnosis in pediatric traumatology. This diagnosis refers to mild traumatic brain injuries, but the consequences of a concussion in children can be very unpredictable. An incomplete list of possible consequences of a concussion includes emotional lability, tendency to convulsive manifestations, memory impairment, headaches.
The main causes of concussion are different for each age group.
For example, if for infants such factors can be negligent care and careless attitude of parents, for 3–6-year-old children, increased physical activity and imperfect coordination prevail. As for schoolchildren, the causes are very diverse.
Note that a mild concussion in a nursing infant can occur even because of intense baby rocking. With this brain damage, no irreversible disorders are observed.
Signs of concussion in children
The main signs of concussion are loss of consciousness for a short period of time, poor orientation in space, headache, dizziness and weakness. In some cases, vision may deteriorate. Concussion symptoms in a child depend on his/her age.
- frequent posseting (single vomiting is possible);
- reduced appetite and aversion to food;
- face pallor;
- poor sleep, capriciousness;
- fontanel swelling;
- cry for no reason.
- a short-time loss of consciousness is possible;
- nausea and vomiting (single);
- dizziness;
- bradycardia;
- skin paleness, hyperhydration;
- a child can show what hurts and tell what has happened.
- loss of consciousness;
- severe headache;
- impaired coordination;
- constant nausea and vomiting;
- presence of neurologic symptoms;
- in case of a concussion, the children’s body temperature remains normal.
Please note that a characteristic feature of concussion in childhood is an augmentation of symptoms. If the child’s condition immediately after the injury can be described as quite satisfactory, then over time it deteriorates noticeably.
A consultation by a specialist is required in case of a head injury. Timely diagnostics and treatment will help to avoid many complications and grave consequences. You can find on our website https://www.dobrobut.com/ the list of doctors and diagnostic procedures that a child may require after a concussion.
Urgent measures
First of all, you should call an emergency medical assistance team and provide a baby with complete calmness, but do not let him/her sleep. In case of loss of consciousness, a child is laid on its side. Taking pain medications before the arrival of a doctor is strictly prohibited.
Upon arrival at a hospital, a baby is examined by a neurologist and a traumatologist, then additional examinations are prescribed (if necessary). Treatment of concussion in children is performed according to medical prescriptions.
Diagnostics
After the check-up, a doctor may prescribe additional examinations, namely: X-ray or computerized tomography to assess the integrity of the skull bones.
Treatment of concussion
After a check-up by specialists and diagnostics, the decision on hospitalization of the child is made, and medical therapy is prescribed. For therapeutic purposes, the child is limited in physical activity, computer games and TV are excluded (or significantly limited). Usually, the child’s condition is completely normalized within a maximum of 3 weeks. Concussion passes without consequences and complications, if all medical recommendations are followed. A child may attend kindergarten, school, sports sections again.
Parents are strongly advised to know how to determine the state of concussion in a child, since it is TBI that ranks first among childhood injuries.
In conclusion, we would like to emphasize once again the importance of timely consultation with a specialist, which will allow for qualified diagnostics and prescription of the effective treatment.
Article writer: Aleksey Rykov
Publication date: 02.05.2019
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