What are the symptoms of a child's concussion? What to do?

According to the doctors, concussion is the most common diagnosis in both pediatric and adult traumatology, requiring mandatory hospitalization. The injury can occur in mild, moderate and severe forms. In this case, there may be significant fractures of the skull and various hematomas.

Symptoms of concussion in a child at different ages may be quite different. In young children up to the year, the traumatic brain injury, mostly, is less than symptomatic. In a number of cases, there are no irreversible changes in the brain, and there are relatively few complications-a favorable prognosis.

The main symptoms of concussion

At the child of the first year of life of the expressed displays after a trauma can not be. And only after an hour there is a pallor of covers, uncaused crying, nausea, the presence of vomiting, lack of appetite, a violation of sleep or, conversely, drowsiness. Older children experience severe headaches, loss of consciousness and slowing (rapidity) of the pulse.

At the same time, vomiting, tearfulness, sweating and pressure drops appear. In rare situations, the symptoms of concussion in the child are accompanied by post-traumatic blindness, which lasts several hours. The reason for this phenomenon is not fully understood. Depending on the age of children, the clinical picture has its own specific characteristics.

In particular, a good condition quickly gives way to a deterioration in well-being. It is better to immediately call "First Aid" - the vigilance of parents should be above all. Before the doctor comes, the child needs rest. If consciousness is lost, then try not to move the baby, and under the head it is necessary to put the platen so that it will not be thrown back. In case of absence of breath, perform artificial respiration cautiously .

Diagnosis of concussion of the brain

At home, it is impossible to determine the severity of the head injury. Upon arrival at the hospital, the child will be examined by specialists: a traumatologist, a neurosurgeon and a neuropathologist. The following diagnostic methods will also be performed: echo-encephalography, neurosonography, craniography, tomography. Depending on what symptoms of concussion the child has, an additional examination may be required (magnetic resonance imaging, lumbar puncture or electroencephalography). All procedures are performed immediately to determine the severity of the injury.

After this, "brain treatment" is appointed. Therapy lasts no less than two weeks on average. The child needs bed rest and calm. No moving games, there should not be negative emotions. Complex treatment consists in taking sedatives, painkillers and diuretics. If vomiting is severe, antiemetic drugs are recommended.

To stabilize the general condition, vitamins are needed that improve the blood supply to the brain. To normalize the psychoemotional state, the child needs peace and positive impressions. In especially severe cases, the course of treatment is quite long, with a regular checkup with a neurologist.