Head Injury of Child – How to Treat a Child After a Brain Injury – Children are very fragile and sensitive to brain injury. A brain injury can have immediate and delayed effects, depending on the severity of the injury and what part of the brain is damaged. The most common direct impacts of head injuries are behavioral, including seizures, irritability, confusion, loss of consciousness, and vomiting.
Parents often ask me, “How can I help my child who has had a head injury?”
As a parent of three children and a wife of a child with a brain injury, I have been through this myself. As a mother, I understand what you’re going through. I have learned over time how to help children with brain injuries.
Your child was injured because someone hit them in the head. It may seem like a simple injury to treat, but it is much more complex than most people think.
Head injuries and childhood
Your child has a head injury. Are they okay?
No. If you look at the child’s eyes, they appear to be unfocused.
No. If you listen to the child’s voice, it seems muffled.
No. If you touch their forehead, it feels warm.
Yes. The child is tired if you put your finger on the back of their neck.
Yes. If you gently shake them, they don’t respond.
Yes. If you gently tap them on the head, they look confused.
Yes. If you move them to another room, they are disoriented.
Yes. If you check on them every 10 minutes, they have trouble sleeping.
Head injuries are more common than you might think. About 1.5 million children under five years suffer from traumatic brain injury yearly.
Traumatic brain injuries can cause symptoms similar to those of other conditions. To help identify the problem, see if any of the following occur after the injury:
Your child may experience confusion, disorientation, or problems with memory.
Brain injury in children
The brain is the body’s most important organ; when damaged, it can affect all body systems. It is a fact of life that every child will get hurt at one time or another, and unfortunately, many of them will get injured in the head.
Children are usually the victims of accidental injuries, either by falling, hitting their heads on furniture or toys, or playing in rough neighborhoods. Injuries to the head can be caused by accidents in the home, school, or play area.
Head injuries in children can be very serious and require the immediate attention of a trained professional. Many types of damage can happen to a child’s head, ranging from minor to severe.
Some common head injuries in children include concussions, skull fractures, and brain bleeding. You should seek medical attention immediately if you see any symptoms in your child.
Telling a child has sustained a brain injury.
While it may seem obvious that a child who suffers from any head injury has suffered a brain injury, it is important to remember that there are many other reasons why children suffer from injuries to their heads.
One of the most common is “mild” head injuries. These are common injuries that many children sustain while playing sports, participating in team activities, and even falling.
These injuries usually do not require medical attention, but they are still very real and can have lasting effects. For example, a child with a mild head injury may not remember what happened, have difficulty concentrating, or experience headaches.
Knowing what to look for if your child has sustained a mild head injury. is important
A child with a mild head injury can often walk around but may be confused or have trouble speaking. They may also have difficulty focusing and remembering things.
To determine if your child has sustained a mild head injury, here are some signs to look for:
1. If your child is bleeding, they may have suffered a serious head injury.
2. If your child is unconscious, they may have suffered a severe head injury.
3. If your child behaves strangely, they may have suffered a moderate or severe head injury.
Treatment of a child’s head injury
I have seen many parents ask the same question and receive many emails and messages asking how to help their child recover from a brain injury.
Many parents want to know what they can do to help their children. Most of them are confused about what kind of care their child should receive.
It would help if you did not rush your child back to school or any other place of work.
Instead, I recommend finding a local pediatrician or doctor experienced with the types of injuries associated with brain injury.
For children under three, a pediatrician can usually diagnose a head injury and help with a child’s recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Q: What’s the difference between a concussion and a serious head injury?
A: A concussion is a brain injury that occurs when you impact the head, and there is no loss of consciousness. This can result in a temporary disruption of thinking, memory, or vision.
Q: How would you diagnose a child with a head injury?
A: Children experiencing concussion symptoms should be checked by a physician or other health care professional.
Q: What are some signs to look out for if a child is experiencing a serious head injury?
A: When children experience a serious head injury, they may not be able to recognize their surroundings or may appear confused or disoriented. They might become unresponsive or exhibit aggressive behavior.
Q: What should I do if a child experiences a head injury,
A: If your child is experiencing a concussion, call 9-1-1 immediately and ask for an ambulance. Do not try to take them to the emergency room yourself, as this could worsen their symptoms.
Q: What are some signs to look out for if a child is experiencing a concussion?
A: Signs of a concussion include losing consciousness, difficulty concentrating, or memory problems.
Myths About Head Injury
1. Children are not affected by head injury.
2. Head injury is not a serious health problem.
3. AA physicians should examine all children after a head injury.
4. Head injury should not delay school or sports participation.
5. Children should not be placed in the hospital to observe symptoms that may indicate a concussion.
6. Parents should not call the physician to report the child’s symptoms.
7. No medication is necessary unless the child has vomiting, headaches, or dizziness.
Conclusion
Brain injuries happen when there is a sudden trauma to the head. They may occur from falling, hitting, or being struck by an object. Traumatic brain injury is a medical emergency.
Some children may need medical care immediately after the injury. Injuries to the head can cause bleeding inside the skull. This can damage the brain, which can cause symptoms such as seizures, paralysis, and coma.
Treating a head injury of a child involves following the guidelines of the doctor who is treating the child. The first thing to do is to stabilize the child. This means keeping the child calm and comfortable.
The doctor will likely do a physical examination and ask questions. The doctor will also perform other tests, such as taking blood pressure and checking the pupils to determine the level of consciousness.
