A concussion can range from a mild to moderate injury to a major health concern. They occur when the head is struck causing damage to the brain. This can occur in a baby when she falls, is dropped or is involved in a car accident. The injury temporarily interferes with the brain's functioning, according to the Mayo Clinic. Babies will suffer many head injuries early in life and through toddlerhood, but most will not be concussions. Recognizing the symptoms of a concussion is key to timely treatment.
Loss of Consciousness
If an infant loses consciousness after a head injury, medical attention is necessary. Most head injuries do not result in the baby becoming unconscious. Instead, an infant may have seizures or involuntary body movements. KidsHealth.org considers this, too, to be a medical emergency.
Drowsiness
Drowsiness following the head injury can be a sign of a concussion. BabyCenter.com recommends watching the baby to see if she becomes unusually sleepy the day of or the day following the injury. If the baby can't be awakened during the night, this can be a sign of a concussion. Caregivers should attempt to wake the baby at least once during the night after the injury just to be sure she is not sleeping too hard from a head injury.
Confusion
Recognizing confusion in a baby is somewhat difficult. Watch for the baby to have less coordination than normal, struggle to make eye contact or to have diminished verbal abilities compared to his normal state. AskDrSears.com advises caregivers to monitor the eyes for unusual changes such as crossing, rolling and one larger pupil. A mobile baby may run into things or seem to have lost some vision.
Vomiting
Vomiting may follow a moderate to severe head injury. Simply vomiting after the injury is normal but if it continues, the child should receive medical attention.
Irritability
A baby may cry for several minutes following a head injury. A moderate or severe concussion can result in the baby crying for a considerable amount of time. A concussion can cause her to continue to be more irritable throughout the day and even the following day.
Drainage
Bruising or slight bleeding at the injury site is normal. Clear or bloody drainage from the ears, nose or mouth is a sign of a concussion that requires medical attention.
