As your toddler begins to walk, she may sustain frequent bumps or bruises as she explores her surroundings. Oftentimes, these injuries are very minor and require nothing more than a kiss from Mommy or Daddy to resolve. Some injuries---especially those sustained from falls or car accidents---can cause your toddler to experience a concussion. A concussion causes a brief disruption in brain function and is typically the result of a significant blow or jolt to the skull. This condition can be difficult to detect in a toddler, especially if she is still learning to speak. Have your toddler evaluated by a pediatrician if she develops any symptoms of a concussion.
Headache
An injury to the head can cause damage to the nerves and tissue within the brain. If this occurs, your toddler may frequently complain that his head hurts or that he does not feel well.
Loss of Consciousness
If your toddler loses consciousness immediately after sustaining a head injury or cannot be awakened for any reason, seek immediate emergency medical care to prevent additional medical complications.
Irritability
It can be difficult for your toddler to explain how she is feeling. As a result of this,she may become abnormally irritable or cry constantly. If your toddler has sustained a concussion, it can be difficult to console her crying or restlessness. In the "Heads Up: Facts for Physicians About Mild Traumatic Brain Injury" handbook published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the authors explain that significant changes in your toddler's personality can also be indicative of a concussion. She may throw temper tantrums or become easily upset, or she may no longer be interested in her favorite toy.
Vomiting
A brain injury can cause nausea or vomiting to occur in some toddlers. Your toddler might complain that his tummy hurts or be uninterested in eating his favorite snack or meal.
Seizures
If your toddler experiences a seizure---a condition in which the body shakes uncontrollably---after sustaining a head injury, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Dizziness
It is normal for a toddler to appear unsteady on her feet while she is still learning to walk. A concussion can cause your toddler to become dizzy or light-headed, which may cause her to walk into walls or fall down more frequently than usual. She might complain that her surroundings look funny or are blurry or foggy.
Change in Sleeping Pattern
A concussion can cause your toddler to be more tired than usual. He may sleep for longer than normal or take frequent naps throughout the day without complaint.
