Brain injury or trauma is the leading cause of death and disability in children. Although traumatic brain injuries are serious in any person, children are more fragile and susceptible to these kinds of injuries. According to the Center for Disease Control, every year almost half a million children are treated at emergency rooms for brain injuries, over 35,000 are hospitalized, and over 2,000 die from their injuries.
Symptoms Of Brain Trauma In Children & Young Adults
When a child receives a head injury, there is a possibility of brain trauma. Some symptoms may be evident right away while others may take hours, days and even longer to surface. Each circumstance can be different, depending on what part of the brain was traumatized and how severely. However, some common symptoms are:
- Headache, confusion or trouble concentrating
- Swollen area on the head
- Sensitivity to noise or light
- Dizziness, memory loss, change in vision, or balance issues
- Nausea or ringing in the ears
- Fatigue or loss of consciousness
If there is even a suspicion of brain injury, the child should be brought for medical attention.
Most Frequent Causes Of Pediatric Brain Injuries
Any blow to the head can cause a brain injury in children. However, there are common causes.
- Falls. 50% of brain injuries in children are caused by falls (see here).
- Car accidents. Brain trauma from car accidents (see here) is the 2nd highest cause of brain injuries. It is also the leading cause of death from brain injuries.
- Abuse. About 3% of brain injuries in children result from abuse (for more information see our page here). It is the third most common injury that results from the abuse of children.
Treatment For Pediatric Brain Injury
If a brain trauma is suspected, the medical facility may order several tests or scans on the child to determine if there is an injury, where the injury is and how extensive. Some common procedures ordered include x-rays, MRI, CAT scans, EEG and blood tests. From these tests they can see if the brain has internal hemorrhaging, swelling or other immediate damage.
Depending on the severity of the brain trauma, treatment can be as slight as rest and can be as complicated as brain surgery. Regardless of the immediate treatment for the injury, the long-term effects can be devastating, even from what may seem like mild brain trauma.
What Does The Future Hold For Kids’ With Head Injuries? Get help from lawyers who appreciate the lasting impact of these injuries
20% of children who have a severe brain trauma will have life-long disabilities. Children who are injured at a young age can have effects on their development, cognitively, physically and emotionally. Given these troubling statistics, parents need to consider legal action to help provide for their child’s immediate needs as well as what their long-term requirements may be. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC has long represented children in serious accident cases. Your responsibility is to care for your child, our job is to protect their future.
