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Watching your little one explore the world is one of the joys of parenting, but it often comes with bumps and bruises. Toddlers are naturally unsteady on their feet, and falls are a common part of growing up. However, when a fall involves a hit to the head, it can be terrifying for parents. Understanding the signs of concussion in toddlers and infants is crucial for ensuring their safety and long-term health.
At Colonia Pediatrics, serving families in Avenel, Woodbridge, and Edison, NJ, we know that head injuries can be confusing because young children cannot always communicate how they feel. This guide will help you recognize toddler concussion symptoms, understand infant concussion signs and symptoms, and know exactly when to seek help from a Pediatrician in Edison, NJ.
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.
While often described as “mild,” the effects of a concussion can be serious. Recognizing concussion symptoms in toddlers early allows for better management and recovery.
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Toddlers and infants are top-heavy and still developing their coordination. Common scenarios that lead to head injuries include:
Whether it is an infant head injury from rolling off a couch or a toddler head injury from a playground mishap, the potential for concussion exists.
Detecting a concussion in a child who can’t speak fluently is challenging. You cannot ask a 1-year-old if they have a headache or blurred vision. Instead, you must rely on observation.
Sometimes symptoms don’t appear immediately. Toddler head injury delayed symptoms can show up hours or even days later.
Infant concussion signs and symptoms can be subtle. Watch for:
If you suspect concussion in baby or notice signs of a concussion in a infant, immediate medical evaluation is necessary.
If your child bumps their head but remains conscious and calm, you can monitor them at home initially. Here is how to tell if toddler has concussion:
Note: If you see unequal pupils or persistent vomiting, go to the ER immediately.
You should call Colonia Pediatrics or head to the emergency room if you notice any of the following signs of concussion in toddler:
For less severe bumps, if your baby hit head but cried and then acted normally, you should still monitor them closely for 24 to 48 hours for delayed concussion symptoms.
When you visit a pediatrician for a toddler concussion, the doctor will:
In severe cases, or if a brain bleed is suspected, a CT scan may be ordered. However, for most uncomplicated concussions, imaging is not necessary to avoid radiation exposure.
The primary treatment for a concussion is rest, both physical and mental.
Most children recover fully within a couple of weeks, but concussion symptoms in kids can persist. Follow your pediatrician’s advice on when to return to normal activities.
While you can’t prevent every fall, you can lower the risk of head injury in toddler:
Yes. Concussion in baby can occur from falling off a bed, changing table, or sofa. Even a short fall can cause injury depending on how they land. Always monitor for signs of concussion in baby after fall, such as vomiting or lethargy.
It was once common advice to keep a child awake, but current concussion protocol for toddlers suggests that if the child is acting normally, it is okay to let them sleep. However, you should check on them periodically to ensure they are breathing normally and can be roused easily. If you cannot wake them, seek emergency care.
Signs of concussion in 2-year-old children often include behavioral changes. Look for extreme crankiness, changes in eating or sleeping habits, loss of new skills (like toilet training regression), or complaining of a “owie” on their head repeatedly.
Generally, a fever is not a direct symptom of a concussion. If your child has a fever with concussion, it may be coincidental (viral infection) or, in rare cases, indicate a problem with the brain’s temperature regulation center. However, high fever after a head injury warrants immediate medical attention to rule out infection or severe trauma.
You can have a concussion without a visible bump or “goose egg.” Internal movement of the brain causes the concussion, not the external bruise. Watch for toddler concussion symptoms like dizziness, vomiting, or mood changes regardless of whether there is a bump.
How to tell if infant has concussion involves looking for non-verbal cues: refusal to eat, inability to be comforted, vomiting, bulging soft spot, or unusual sleepiness. If you are unsure, call your pediatrician.
If you are concerned about a recent fall or head injury, contact Colonia Pediatrics today. Our team is dedicated to the health and safety of your children.
