Toddlers are often so accident-prone that it can be difficult to decipher between normal bumps and bruises and an actual medical emergency. A concussion is the result of a traumatic brain injury, which usually results in a temporary change in the way your toddler's brain operates. While concussions are usually mild, a severe concussion could lead to brain bleeds and further damage. Watch for the signs of a concussion so you know whether to contact your doctor or call 911.
Step 1
Observe your child's behavior directly after what looks like a blow to the head. If your toddler clutches his head, cries or acts irritable and cranky, he could be suffering some of the unpleasant signs of a concussion, such as head pain, confusion and pressure in the head.
Step 2
Watch your toddler move in the moments following a fall or hit on the head. Concussions often leave sufferers feeling unbalanced and uncoordinated, which can result in even more falls. If your normally active and athletic toddler is suddenly falling more, having trouble walking in a straight line or bumping into things, she may have a concussion.
Step 3
Listen to the way your toddler talks after the accident. While toddlers are naturally difficult to understand when learning how to talk, slurring speech or having difficulty remembering words or putting together sentences is a common symptoms of the confusion that often follows a concussion. Have your toddler say a few words that you know he can say well to assess for differences in the way he talks.
Step 4
Watch for signs of nausea after a bump on the head. Concussions are sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting, a clear sign that there's a problem.
Step 5
Contact your pediatrician if your toddler sustains a bump on her head and is acting differently than normal. Your doctor will be able to assess the symptoms to discern whether or not your child has a concussion.
