Head injuries can be dangerous, particularly in kids, who are more prone to such accidents. While most forms of head injuries are mild and do not cause any complications, severe ones can lead to brain injuries or a concussion. What's concerning is that in certain cases a concussion can be missed or overlooked due to its asymptomatic nature, whereas in children, parents may fail to identify the signs of concussion. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Parimala V Thirumalesh, Senior Consultant-Neonatology and Paediatrics, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, shares invaluable insights into how we can recognise the signs of concussion in small children and the steps to take thereafter.
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What Is A Concussion?
Alarming reports suggest that India has the highest rate of head injury in the world. As per the Indian Head Injury Foundation (IHIF), more than one lakh lives are lost every year with over 10 lakh people suffering from serious head injuries.
Dr Thirumalesh defines a concussion as a sudden injury to the brain that may lead to temporary memory loss. The injury could be due to a blow to the head, contact sports, or a shake to the body.
According to her, this type of injury could impact the way the brain functions for a shorter duration causing difficulty with focus, and inability to sleep. If a severe concussion causes any brain haemorrhage then might need drainage as well, she adds.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says, “A concussion is generally caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.”
Can A Person Have Concussion And Not Know It?
The symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and unnoticeable in some cases. Some symptoms may not show up immediately, making prompt diagnosis difficult. In certain cases, a person may have a concussion and not realise it, says Dr Thirumalesh.
According to the CDC, some mild concussion symptoms may appear right away, while others may not appear for hours or days after the injury. Symptoms generally improve over time, and most people with a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion feel better within a couple of weeks.
How To Identify Concussion In Children And Toddlers
If your child experiences a blow to the head or falls on his or her head, do not brush it off and wait for it to heal itself. Here are some signs to watch out for and you must immediate medical care thereafter:
- Drowsiness
- Agitation, confusion, and/or restlessness
- Seizures
- Inability to identify people or places
- Unconsciousness
- Slurred speech
- Unusual behaviour
- Vomiting
- Inconsolable crying
Steps To Take
If your child has a concussion, Dr Thirumalesh recommends conducting a memory test and a test on body balance and coordination.
She says, “Healing concussion is a gradual process; one needs to strike a balance between staying active and at the same time relaxing. It is advised to take complete rest, get enough sleep and completely avoid gadgets and television for the first few days.”
In addition, she advises to let your child ‘gradually’ engage in minimal activities like drawing, and spending time with family and friends. Most importantly, it is recommended to consult a physician if the symptoms still persist and your child is unable to undertake daily activities.
