Signs of Traumatic Brain Injury in Babies and Children

The CDC reports that children are most likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during their first four years of life and between ages 15 and 19. Car accidents, slip & fall injuries, sports or play injuries, and assaults are common causes of TBI in children. A TBI can occur at any age, and it can have devastating consequences when it does.
It’s important for parents and caregivers to be able to spot symptoms that might indicate a brain injury in an infant or child. While the symptoms are similar in both adults and children, children may have difficulty communicating what they are experiencing – making it even more important for attentive adults to understand the symptoms they can see.
Signs a baby or child might have a brain injury include:

• Difficulty with eating or refusing to eat
• Changes in sleeping patterns, including problems with falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up
• Problems with balance or movement, including loss of movement skills the child had previously mastered, like rolling over, walking, or tying shoes
• Acting tired, depressed, or listless; losing interest in once-loved activities
• Acting irritable or cranky; some children may cry persistently
• Loss of skills like toilet training
• Problems with tasks that require memory, attention, or concentration, which may express themselves as difficulty with schoolwork.

These symptoms can be subtle, which can make them even tougher to spot. If you find yourself wondering whether your child is suffering from a brain injury after an accident, however, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Your child’s doctor can help evaluate any changes you’ve spotted and may run tests to determine the cause. Prompt diagnosis of a brain injury also helps your child get the treatment he or she needs for the fullest possible recovery.
Traumatic brain injuries can cause lingering or even catastrophic problems. An experienced attorney can help you protect your child’s legal rights and fight for the compensation your family deserves. Contact the top-rated trial attorneys at Lombardi & Lombardi, PA today at 866.523.3121 to learn more.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.