Children’s Brain Injuries and Head Trauma

As parents, we need to be ever aware of causes and symptoms of brain trauma that our children may display.    The most common cause of brain trauma in our youngsters is falling – falling out of bed, slipping in the bath, falling down steps, off bicycles, skateboarding, contact sports, and related falls.

Youth Symptoms

Even the most protective parents are not always aware of collisions and falls experienced by their children and young adults.  Therefore, it is critical that we be aware of the common symptoms of brain trauma.

Physical Symptoms include:

• Loss of consciousness for a few seconds to a few minutes.
• Being dazed, confused, or disoriented.
• Headaches.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Fatigue or drowsiness.
• Difficulty sleeping.
• Sleeping more than usual.
• Dizziness or loss of balance.

Sensory Symptoms include:

• Blurred vision, ringing in the ears, a bad taste in the mouth, or changes in the ability to smell.
• Sensitivity to light or sound.

Cognitive or Mental Symptoms include:

• Memory/concentration problems.
• Confusion.
• Mood changes, swings, combativeness, or unusual behavior.
• Slurred speech.
• Fatigue or drowsiness.
• Difficulty sleeping.
• Sleeping more than usual.
• Dizziness or loss of balance.

Children’s Symptoms

Infants and young children with brain injuries may lack the communication skills to report headaches, sensory problems, confusion, and similar symptoms.   In a child with traumatic brain injury, you may observe:

• Change in eating or nursing habits.
• Persistent crying or inability to be consoled.
• Unusual or easy irritability.
• Changes in ability to pay attention.
• Change in sleep habits.
• Loss of interest in favorite toys or activities.

When To See a Doctor

Always see your doctor if your child receives a blow to the head or body that concerns you.  Seek emergency medical care if there are any signs or symptoms of traumatic brain injury.    Be aware that the terms ‘mild’, ‘moderate’, and ‘severe’ are used among the medical community.  However, even a ‘mild’ injury to the brain is still a serious injury that requires attention.

Treatment

Even the most ‘mild’ brain injury requires monitoring and treatment.  Treatment ranges from medications, surgery and rehabilitation.  Critical is monitoring and ongoing observation.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of brain injuries, the following tips are helpful:

• Always use seat belts when in vehicles.
• Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, skateboard, motorcycle, snowmobile, or all-terrain vehicle. Also wear head protection when playing baseball or contact sports, skiing, skating, or snowboarding.
• Frequent playgrounds that have shock-absorbent materials on the ground.

Prevent falls around the house by:

• Installing handrails in bathrooms
• Put nonslip mats in the bathtub or shower
• Remove area rugs
• Install handrails on both sides of staircases.
• Improve lighting throughout your home.
• Keep stairs and floors clear of clutter.

As an attorney and father, I feel it is my responsibility to increase awareness of the impact brain injuries can have on families.  Injuries can be extreme and life changing.

The law firm of Friend, Levinson & Turner represents clients throughout Chicagoland who have suffered severe brain injuries.  We understand that after experiencing such a trauma, your medical bills need to be paid and covered.  Plus, we pursue all legal avenues to get you and your family the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

The attorneys at Friend, Levinson & Turner Law make the legal process as stress-free as possible.  We focus on recovering compensation for you – while you concentrate on your physical and emotional recovery.

If you or a loved one experiences a traumatic brain injury,, please call my office at 312-346-8465 or contact us using the form below.