menu

Traumatic Brain Injuries In Children: What Parents Should Know

BIKLaw Medical Malpractice Lawyer > brain injuries > Traumatic Brain Injuries In Children: What Parents Should Know

TBI in KidsChildhood is full of bumps and bruises. From sports injuries to falls off a bike, children tend to injure themselves frequently. Unfortunately, children are especially susceptible to brain injuries when they hit their heads. According to the Brain Injury Association of America, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of disability and death in children ages 0-4 and 15-19.

With TBIs so common among children, parents should be watchful for symptoms of a brain injury after any accident. If you think your child may have suffered a head injury, be on the lookout for these signs:

Physical Symptoms

A head injury like a TBI can cause a variety of physical symptoms. Most importantly, parents should check to see if their child lost consciousness after an accident or blow to the head. If so, a trip to the doctor is always warranted.

A TBI may make a child feel physically ill. He or she may be nauseous, dizzy, vomiting, or have trouble standing or walking. The child may also be sleeping too much, or may not be able to sleep at all. Any of these symptoms after a head injury is cause for concern, and a pediatrician or other physician should conduct a thorough examination.

Mental Symptoms

Besides physical problems, a TBI can cause the brain to have problems processing information normally. The injured child may begin having trouble with the senses, such as blurred vision, hearing loss or a ringing in the ears, a bad taste in his or her mouth, or the loss of the ability to smell.

Cognitively, a child with a brain injury may have difficulty concentrating or seem confused. Slurred speech or trouble balancing are also signs of a serious injury which should be checked out immediately.

Emotional Symptoms

Signs of a mild TBI can be more subtle, and often manifest themselves in emotional changes. The injured child may be sad or depressed, and may lose interest in a favorite toy or game. He or she may also feel anxious, and have difficulty concentrating or paying attention. Finally, the child may begin to suffer from severe mood swings or may be unusually combative or agitated.

Dealing with TBIs In Children

If a child suffers a traumatic brain injury, he or she may have a difficult road to recovery. While some mild TBIs will heal on their own, moderate to severe TBIs often require a lifetime of care. Immediately after an injury, a child may need extensive medical treatment or require surgery. Later on, a child with brain damage may have to re-learn basic skills like walking and talking. Children who are injured very early life may require extra attention in school, and may suffer from learning disabilities.

TBIs can be devastating for families. When a child’s injury is caused by the negligent act of another person, that child may be able to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for medical bills, physical therapy, pain and suffering, and any other damages which are appropriate.

At the Trial Law Offices of Bradley I. Kramer, M.D., Esq., we work to help the victims of traumatic brain injuries and fight to get them justice. If your child was injured as a result of someone else’s carelessness or wrongdoing, we can help you file a lawsuit seeking the damages your child needs to recover.

For a free consultation with a Los Angeles brain injury lawyer, call (310) 289-2600 or use our online contact form to have your case reviewed today.

Questions? Contact us