Brain Injuries and Their Treatment for Young Children

Brain injuries can be concussions, skull fractures or serious traumatic brain injuries. Those most at risk are the very young, because of tumbles and falls; and teens, often because of sports injuries or of thinking themselves to be invincible. Children's brains are very vulnerable.

If a young child has a suspected serious bump on the head and is dizzy or confused, has difficulty seeing, it will be important to consult your doctor. If the child appears unaffected, it will still be important to keep them awake for an hour or two before sleeping. Then check the child's skin colour and breathing pattern every couple of hours. If these are normal, allow them to continue sleeping. If either seems abnormal, gently rouse the child from sleep. If he fusses and wants to go back to sleep, he's fine but if he cannot be roused, or it is difficult to do so, it is important to call the doctor and probably place a 911 call.

Even when all seems normal, watch the child closely for the next twenty-four hours. If he/she vomits repeatedly, becomes confused, is listless or extremely irritable, complains of a headache, has slurred speech, neck pain, seizures, poor coordination, displays aggressive behaviour, has any discolouration or bruising around the eyes, blood or other discharge from the nose, enlarged pupils or loses consciousness, call your doctor or emergency services immediately. It is important to trust your instincts at this time.

Following any type of head injury, a child should be monitored. They should not return to playing sports or activities of any kind. Rest is important until the doctor advises that activities can be resumed again. It is a good idea for a child with a head injury to be examined by a doctor and if thought advisable that a CT scan be done.

Risks for future injuries should be minimized for sports related trauma as well as in other areas where children play and are active. Secondary injuries to the head can result in more longer lasting problems, i.e.: with neurocognitive problems, behaviours, learning skills, memory issues and depression.

Ways to minimize further injuries are:

- Banning body checking in the younger age groups.

- Reducing violence and defining acceptable behaviour.

- Changing the rules to protect children from getting concussions or more serious head injuries.

- Teaching correct tackling, contact procedures and collision techniques. Better training is important. Often it is parents who are doing the training and coaching and they may not have the necessary knowledge.

- Immediately replace damaged equipment. It is also important to remember that helmets, even when properly fitted and worn correctly, only protect against skull fractures. They do not protect against concussion because a bump on the head will still cause the brain to move around inside the skull.

- For children who are skateboarding, running or playing, it is important to do so in well-lit areas that are free of obstacles and holes or uneven ground.

- Follow the rules of the game and all other safety rules.

Now is the time to protect our children. Not when it is too late. If only, should have, and I wish I had, do not correct damage that has already been done.