More than 400,000 children visit emergency rooms annually because of serious head injuries. While the most common causes are playground accidents, sports injuries and car crashes, toddlers can be susceptible to concussions because of their high level of activity and curiosity. Concussions are traumatic brain injuries that temporarily alter the way the brain functions and may affect a toddler's balance and coordination as well as give him a mild headache. Since toddlers typically will be unable to communicate the symptoms to a parent, you will need to check for signs of a concussion. If you suspect a concussion, you also should contact your pediatrician and report any symptoms to her.
Step 1
Call 911 or visit an emergency room immediately if you are are unable to awaken your child after an injury or if he is experiencing slurred speech, confusion, seizures or convulsions. You should also take him to an emergency room if one pupil appears to be larger than the other.
Step 2
Ask your toddler if anything hurts and, if so, to point to what hurts. A headache can be a sign of a concussion. If she points to her head, seek medical attention.
Step 3
Monitor your child for changes in his appetite or sleeping patterns or a lack of interest in his normal activities, such as playing outside or watching a favorite television show. If your toddler tires easily or is unusually irritable or cranky, contact your pediatrician.
Step 4
Watch your toddler to see whether she is unsteady on her feet or off balance. While toddlers typically have poorer balance than older children, as a parent you know your child and whether she seems unusually clumsy.
Tips and Warnings
- MayoClinic.com suggests taking your child to the doctor within one to two days of experiencing a head injury. Observation, a neurological exam and imaging tests can determine whether your toddler has a concussion.
- Symptoms of a concussion can last a few seconds to several weeks. The majority of people recover within four weeks.
