Signs of concussion in children, diagnosis and treatment of craniocerebral injuries

Everyone knows that children because of their mobility are more prone to injury than adults. In infants, injuries occur as a result of negligence and inattention of parents. Dropping a baby even from a minimum height can lead to severe consequences, because kids can not insure themselves, so they always fall head first. At an age when a child can already walk alone, he becomes very active and often makes sudden movements. Concussion in children (the consequences of injury can be irreversible) happens at a time of severe shaking (when falling) or impact. This breaks down the work of all important areas of the brain.

Common signs of concussion in children

Even a seemingly insignificant drop can lead to a trauma to the skull. Signs of concussion in children of any age in the first stage will include dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Infants may have pale skin and frequent regurgitation. If these symptoms are accompanied by excessive sweating, you should immediately seek help from a pediatric neurologist. After a fall, the child may have a hematoma on his head. If it is small, there is probably a soft tissue swelling. To facilitate the condition, it is recommended to apply ice to the site of the injury. Small children can quickly calm down after a trauma and fall asleep, but do not rush to rejoice. Symptoms of concussion in children can manifest themselves just after awakening.

In addition to these symptoms, head trauma can occur:

• Narrowing of pupils or one pupil, short-term loss of vision;
• headache;
• Slow or, conversely, rapid pulse ;
• Emotional irritability (capriciousness, nervousness, short temper);
• sleep disturbance;
• Lethargic movements and retarded reactions.

How is concussion diagnosed in children?

Symptoms of a trauma to the skull should give a signal to parents that it is necessary to immediately call an ambulance. A child neurosurgeon should examine the child. He will conduct the required studies to establish an accurate diagnosis. While waiting for the ambulance, signs of concussion in children can be alleviated by giving the baby a very sweet tea. This will help raise the level of glucose, relieve tension and pain. The main study for the detection of concussion is the radiography, it can also show if there is a fracture of the skull bones. Neurosonography (ultrasound of the brain vessels) demonstrates the presence of hemorrhages and bruises inside the skull. The displacement of the brain structures can be detected during echoencephalography. If there are indications, other diagnostic procedures may be performed.

Treatment

Therapy consists in following bed rest in a hospital. Appointed medicines, whose action is aimed at eliminating symptoms and normalizing the brain. The patient is usually discharged in five to six days, when it becomes clear that pathological processes are absent and the danger has passed. The child will fully recover in a few weeks.