The brain enables us to do everything that we do. Our brain creates who we are as individuals and monitors and controls our every conscious and unconscious movement. We, therefore, must make every effort to keep our brains safe from injury.
A concussion is an injury to the brain. The injury changes the way the brain works, usually for a short period of time. Concussions are also known as mild traumatic brain injuries.
A concussion can be caused by a blow to the head, face, neck, or body. The blow causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull.
A concussion can happen even if the child does not lose consciousness.
There is rapid growth and development of the brain during early childhood. The brain is vulnerable during this time. The functioning of the brain can be affected by a concussion. Children’s developing brains are very sensitive to this type of injury. It can take longer for children’s brains to heal after a concussion compared to adults, meaning that their symptoms can last longer. It is important for parents and caregivers to recognize the signs and symptoms of a concussion, learn how to prevent a concussion, and know what to do if their child gets a concussion.
For young children a concussion can happen at home, at play, and on the road. The majority of concussions in young children happen in the home. Almost all young children will bump their heads, especially when they are learning to roll over, crawl, walk, and jump. Infants and toddlers are particularly vulnerable to concussions because their heads are much larger and heavier than their bodies, their neck muscles are not as well-developed, and they cannot control their movements as well. There is also rapid growth and development of the brain during infancy and early childhood, making the brain vulnerable to harm.
Shaking, hitting, or throwing a baby in a moment of frustration can cause a concussion or a more serious brain injury. This is called abusive head trauma (formerly Shaken Baby Syndrome).
Symptoms of a concussion may happen right after the incident, or they may appear hours or even days later.
Infants and young children may not understand or be unable to explain their symptoms. It is important that caregivers watch young children carefully for the following signs and symptoms:
If a concussion is suspected, it is important to seek medical attention.
If any of the following symptoms are present or develop, seek medical attention immediately:
Symptoms usually improve in one to four weeks following the injury. If symptoms last longer than this, seek further medical attention.
Young children’s brains need protection. Not all concussions can be prevented, but many can be avoided by following safety tips.
The symptoms of a single concussion in early childhood usually resolve within 1 to 4 weeks. For some children, having prolonged symptoms can impact the quality of life for both the child and the family. Longer lasting negative outcomes from concussion may include effects on thinking, learning, and behaviour. These negative outcomes may be more likely when the concussion occurs at younger ages. Having multiple concussions can also lead to worse outcomes, making the prevention of multiple concussions very important.
There is some early research to suggest that a concussion in early childhood may negatively impact child-caregiver relationships. Dealing with concussion symptoms can be stressful for caregivers, and a caregivers’ stress may impact a child’s healing from a concussion. More education and support for caregivers about what concussion symptoms look like and how long symptoms can last may help to reduce stress and improve outcomes for children.
Reviewed by:
Sarah Reid, MD, FRCPC and Miriam Beauchamp, Canada Research Chair in Pediatric TBI
Date reviewed: November 2019
The brain enables us to do everything that we do. Our brain creates who we are as individuals and monitors and controls our every conscious and unconscious movement. We, therefore, must make every effort to keep our brains safe from injury.
Brain injury can occur due to a traumatic incident such as sudden impact, violent shaking, spontaneous bleeding, or lack of oxygen. A traumatic brain injury often has devastating effects on the individual as well as family and friends. A traumatic brain injury may forever change who an individual is, their personality and characteristics, as well as their physical functioning including speech and fine and gross motor movement. A traumatic brain injury can result in seizures, anxiety, memory loss, impulse control problems, and death. Individuals who suffer a traumatic brain injury often require lifelong support.
Cara Zukewich, Child Injury Prevention Program Coordinator at the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute, talks about concussion in children under five years of age with Miriam Beauchamp, Canada Research Chair in Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury; Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Montreal; and Researcher at Ste-Justine Hospital Research Center. Miriam discusses the importance of preventing and recognizing concussion in young children.
The brain is naturally protected by the skull; however, we must often take extra measures to ensure its safety. These measures include many things, such as wearing an appropriate helmet when on a bicycle, skateboard, ATV, and ice skates and during other activities. Safety measures also include using seat belts to protect us in a car crash and safety gates on stairs to prevent toddlers from falling down stairs. The brain must also be protected from alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs during the prenatal development period and throughout life.
A concussion is an injury to the brain. The injury changes the way the brain works, usually for a short period of time. Concussions are also known as mild traumatic brain injuries.
A concussion can be caused by a blow to the head, face, neck, or body. The blow causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull.
A concussion can happen even if the child does not lose consciousness.
There is rapid growth and development of the brain during early childhood. The brain is vulnerable during this time. The functioning of the brain can be affected by a concussion. Children’s developing brains are very sensitive to this type of injury. It can take longer for children’s brains to heal after a concussion compared to adults, meaning that their symptoms can last longer. It is important for parents and caregivers to recognize the signs and symptoms of a concussion, learn how to prevent a concussion, and know what to do if their child gets a concussion.
For young children a concussion can happen at home, at play, and on the road. The majority of concussions in young children happen in the home. Almost all young children will bump their heads, especially when they are learning to roll over, crawl, walk, and jump. Infants and toddlers are particularly vulnerable to concussions because their heads are much larger and heavier than their bodies, their neck muscles are not as well-developed, and they cannot control their movements as well. There is also rapid growth and development of the brain during infancy and early childhood, making the brain vulnerable to harm.
Shaking, hitting, or throwing a baby in a moment of frustration can cause a concussion or a more serious brain injury. This is called abusive head trauma (formerly Shaken Baby Syndrome).
Symptoms of a concussion may happen right after the incident, or they may appear hours or even days later.
Infants and young children may not understand or be unable to explain their symptoms. It is important that caregivers watch young children carefully for the following signs and symptoms:
If a concussion is suspected, it is important to seek medical attention.
If any of the following symptoms are present or develop, seek medical attention immediately:
Symptoms usually improve in one to four weeks following the injury. If symptoms last longer than this, seek further medical attention.
Young children’s brains need protection. Not all concussions can be prevented, but many can be avoided by following safety tips.
Identify and manage hazards in the child’s environment to prevent tripping and falls.
Make sure anyone who transports children is using a properly fitted and installed car seat. Use the safety straps on high chairs and change tables. Children should not be left unattended on high surfaces (bed, sofa, table), including in car seats. Use wall anchors for furniture. Use window guards and safety gates for stairs. Use a properly fitted helmet for any riding activities or contact sports.
Ensure that young children have active adult supervision. Active supervision means the right combination of physical closeness to the child, based on the child’s age and abilities, and attention to what the child is doing. Particularly for infants and toddlers, this allows caregivers to quickly stop any behaviours that could cause a concussion or more serious head injury. As children grow, develop skills, and learn their limits, their need for this type of supervision changes.
Learn to recognize the symptoms of a concussion. Know what to do if a concussion occurs.
Teach children safe play habits, such as going down a slide feet first. As children learn to ride a bike, make sure they follow the rules of the road. Make sure children are participating in age-appropriate sports and wearing appropriate safety equipment (e.g., helmets).
Wear a properly fitted helmet for activities, such as cycling and snowboarding, as well as for contact sports.
Learn about and educate caregivers about the risks of abusive head trauma, how to deal with a crying infant, and strategies for handling frustration. For related information for caregivers, see When Your Baby Can’t Stop Crying.
The symptoms of a single concussion in early childhood usually resolve within 1 to 4 weeks. For some children, having prolonged symptoms can impact the quality of life for both the child and the family. Longer lasting negative outcomes from concussion may include effects on thinking, learning, and behaviour. These negative outcomes may be more likely when the concussion occurs at younger ages. Having multiple concussions can also lead to worse outcomes, making the prevention of multiple concussions very important.
There is some early research to suggest that a concussion in early childhood may negatively impact child-caregiver relationships. Dealing with concussion symptoms can be stressful for caregivers, and a caregivers’ stress may impact a child’s healing from a concussion. More education and support for caregivers about what concussion symptoms look like and how long symptoms can last may help to reduce stress and improve outcomes for children.
Reviewed by:
Sarah Reid, MD, FRCPC and Miriam Beauchamp, Canada Research Chair in Pediatric TBI
Date reviewed: November 2019