A concussion is a mild injury to the brain, which causes short-term abnormalities in brain function. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports infants and children up to age 3 are at high risk for concussion and other traumatic brain injuries. Symptoms of a concussion in a baby include changes in behavior or level of awareness. If your baby has had a fall or other head trauma, talk with your doctor if you have any questions about his well-being.
Loss of Consciousness
Loss of consciousness, even for a few moments, may be a symptom of a concussion or a more serious brain injury. If your baby lost consciousness after a blow to the head, it is important to have her evaluated by a doctor, advises the Mayo Clinic.
Inconsolable Crying
CDC advises that a baby who has sustained a head blow and continues to cry, despite your attempts to console him, may have a concussion. While all babies will cry for a time after a bump on the head, the tip-off that a concussion may be present is the inconsolability.
Irritability and Restlessness
A baby cannot verbalize how she is feeling, but she can tell you by her actions that something is amiss. If your baby is exceptionally irritable or restless after a fall or other blow to the head, she may have a concussion, advises the University of Hawaii Department of Pediatrics.
Vomiting
Vomiting after a head injury may be a symptom of concussion in a baby. Vomiting soon after a blow to the head is common with a concussion. Persistent vomiting may indicate a severe concussion or a more serious head injury, advises the CDC.
Balance Problems
The Mayo Clinic notes that balance and coordination can be affected by a concussion. If your baby is old enough to sit up on her own, you may notice she seems wobbly or that she tips over while sitting up. If your baby is crawling, you may notice she seems less coordinated than usual or that she seems less sure of her movements.
Poor Feeding
Loyola University Health System advises that a concussion may affect a baby's feeding. Your baby may refuse to nurse or take a bottle. Alternatively, you may notice his sucking ability seems decreased. These symptoms are important clues that your baby may have sustained a concussion.
Unusual Drowsiness or Difficulty Being Awakened
A baby that is unusually sleepy or hard to awaken may have a concussion or a more severe brain injury. The Mayo Clinic advises that a child with these symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Injury--A Risk at Any Stage of Life
- University of Hawaii, Department of Pediatrics: Head Injuries, Concussions and CAT Scans
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: What are the Signs and Symptoms of Concussion?
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Facts for Physicians on Traumatic Brain Injury
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: What are the Signs and Symptoms of TBI?
