Symptoms of a concussion in a child: information for parents
Concussion is one of the most common diagnoses in pediatric traumatology. And although the damage is classified as a mild traumatic brain injury, the consequences of a concussion in children can be unpredictable. Emotional lability, tendency to convulsions, memory impairment, headache, increased susceptibility to viral and infectious diseases are an incomplete list of possible consequences of a concussion.
The main causes of concussion in each age group are different. For example, for infants, such factors will be negligent care and careless attitude on the part of parents. And for children 3-6 years old, increased motor activity and imperfection of coordination come to the fore. Schoolchildren have very different reasons.
Note that a mild concussion in an infant can occur even with strong pumping.
It is important that with this brain injury, irreversible disorders are not observed.
Symptoms of concussion in children
The main symptoms of a concussion are loss of consciousness for a short period of time, disorientation in space, headache, dizziness and weakness. In some cases, vision may deteriorate. Symptoms of a concussion in a child also depend on age.
Clinical manifestations of this condition in infants:
- frequent vomiting (sometimes vomiting is possible);
- pallor of the face;
- reduced appetite or refusal to eat;
- swelling of the fontanel;
- bad sleep, moodiness, crying for no reason.
Symptoms of concussion in children from three to six years old. Short-term loss of consciousness, nausea and vomiting (one-time), dizziness, bradycardia, pale skin, sweating are also possible here. The child can show where it hurts and what exactly happened.
How is concussion manifested in schoolchildren:
- obvious loss of consciousness (from 10 to 15 minutes);
- severe headache;
- expressed violation of coordination;
- constant nausea and vomiting;
- presence of neurological symptoms;
- temperature during concussion in children remains normal.
Please note that a characteristic feature of a brain concussion in childhood is an increase in symptoms. If immediately after the injury, the child's condition can be characterized as quite satisfactory, then over time it significantly worsens.
If you have a head injury, you need to consult a specialist! Timely diagnosis and treatment will help to avoid many complications and serious consequences. On our website https://dobrobut.com/ you will find a list of doctors and diagnostic measures that a child may need after a concussion.
Urgent measures
First of all, it is necessary to call an ambulance and keep the child calm. In case of loss of consciousness, the baby is placed on its side. Taking painkillers before the doctor's arrival is strictly prohibited.
Upon arrival at the hospital, the child is examined by a pediatric neurologist and a traumatologist, after which additional examinations are prescribed. Treatment of brain concussion in children is carried out according to medical prescriptions.
Diagnostics
After the examination, the specialist can prescribe additional studies, namely: X-ray, MRI, neurosonography, computer tomography or electroencephalography.
X-ray helps to reveal the integrity of the bones of the skull.
Neurosonography is prescribed for children under 2 years of age. With the help of the procedure, the doctor will be able to see one or another pathology of the brain.
Electroencephalography will allow to study the bioelectrical activity of the brain and assess the severity of the injury.
Computer tomography is an effective method for detecting brain damage.
Concussion treatment
After examination by specialists and diagnosis, the issue of hospitalization of the child is decided and medical therapy is prescribed. Treatment of preschool children after a concussion is usually carried out in hospital conditions. This is done in order to monitor the condition of the little patient around the clock and to prevent possible complications. In addition, inpatient treatment provides psycho-emotional peace, which is of particular importance in the first days after an injury.
For therapeutic purposes, the child's motor activity is restricted, diuretics combined with potassium preparations and sedatives are prescribed. In some cases, antihistamines and pain relievers may be recommended.
After discharge from the hospital, the baby is prescribed nootropic drugs and vitamin complexes. In addition, the child needs to limit physical activity at home, and computer games and TV are not recommended.
Usually after 3 weeks, the child's condition is completely normalized. A concussion, provided all medical recommendations are followed, passes without consequences and complications. You can visit kindergarten, school, sports sections again.
Parents are strongly recommended to know how to determine the condition of a concussion in a child, since TBI is the number one childhood injury.
In conclusion, we would like to emphasize once again the importance of a timely consultation with a specialist, which will allow a qualified diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment. Get in touch, we will tell you what to do in case of a concussion in a child under one year old and about first aid measures before the doctor arrives. We work around the clock.
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