The issue, "How do I know if my child's head injury is serious?" is one that parents and other caregivers worldwide frequently ask. Since young children are unable to express their feelings, it can occasionally be challenging to assess the severity of a brain injury to a baby or toddler.
The Different Types of Head Injuries
There are several frequent head injuries, including fractures to the skull, contusions, and concussions. Understanding the distinctions between these kinds of brain injuries will help you respond effectively and promptly.
A skull fracture is characterized as a crack or break in the skull bone, whereas a contusion is a brain bruise. A concussion is defined as "a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth" by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Symptoms of a Concussion
Concussions are difficult because, in addition to the possibility that younger children won't be able to express their feelings, you might not initially realize how serious the injury is. A simple bump on the head could be considered a minor head injury, but concussion symptoms can take hours or even days to manifest. For this reason, it's critical to understand the signs of a concussion.
It's possible that your child had a concussion if they:
· Look confused or stunned
· Are more clumsy than usual
· Speak slowly
· Are in and out of consciousness (loss of consciousness)
· Display mood swings or behavior changes
· Complain of a headache
· Are you nauseous or vomiting
· Have one pupil larger than the other
After a child receives a hit to the head, it is advised that parents or other caregivers closely observe their offspring for a full day or two in order to look for any indications of a serious head injury. Nationwide Child emphasizes the importance of seeking a medical expert as soon as head injury symptoms appear.
When Should We Seek Medical Care?
Urgent Care for kids is a great option if your child experiences a minor concussion. However, if your little one loses consciousness or is experiencing nausea, vomiting, and is disoriented, you will need to bring your child to a hospital as soon as possible.
A child with a head injury needs to be seen by a professional because these injuries can be fatal, especially if more severe symptoms appear. When it comes to head traumas, it is preferable to exercise extreme caution in order to avoid any serious repercussions.
