A concussion is the result of trauma to the head that causes temporary changes in how the brain works. It can upset balance, coordination, reflexes and speech, states the Mayo Clinic. Toddlers, especially newly walking toddlers, are prone to bumping their heads. Many times, the results are nothing more than tears and an ugly bruise. A temporary loss of consciousness is a clear sign of a concussion in a toddler, but there are other symptoms of this type of head injury.
Loss of Consciousness
Any head injury that results in a loss of consciousness is a concussion. Other symptoms, even without a loss of consciousness can also indicate a concussion. A toddler passes out as a result of the injuries sustained to the brain including bruising, tearing of blood vessels or nerve damage, states KidsHealth.org. Feeling sleepy after the head injury is common. Young children who are sleepy after the head trauma should be taken to a doctor, warns Dr. Greene, a pediatrician.
Mental Changes
Mild concussions that do not include a loss of consciousness may cause a toddler to have a temporary change in mental status. This can include confusion, disorientation or trouble focusing for up to 15 minutes, states KidsHealth.org. These same mental changes can occur with moderate and severe concussions and last greater than 15 minutes. Other mental changes associated with a concussion include temporary amnesia (loss of memory), slurred speech, talking in a nonsensical manner, and trouble thinking or making decisions. Toddlers may appear irritable or anxious for no obvious reason. KidsHealth.org points out that in some cases, the mental changes may linger for several weeks or months, but most kids recover quickly.
Nonverbal Signs
A young toddler may lose interest in favored activities or toys after a concussion. She may change her eating or sleeping patterns. Watch for your toddler to become tired easily after the injury.
Other Symptoms
Pain at the site of injury is to be expected, but a headache that lasts well after the impact can be a sign of concussion. Toddlers may report fuzzy or blurred vision. Carrying out tasks that require balance or coordination may be difficult. A toddler may vomit shortly after waking from the impact of the head injury. Other symptoms, according to Dr. Greene, include neck pain, an indentation of the skull or a large bump. It is possible for a concussion to cause ringing in the ears, sensitivity to light or noise and waking during sleep several hours or days after the injury, states the Mayo Clinic.
Severe Symptoms
Any severe signs of a concussion require emergency medical treatment. If your toddler experiences a forceful injury, such as one resulting from a car accident, seek medical care. If you cannot wake your toddler or if her mental status seems to be worsening, this is a cause for concern. Having one pupil larger than the other or seizures are other severe symptoms of a concussion in a toddler.
