A mild traumatic brain injury is also called a “concussion.” In children under the age of six years, concussions are most commonly caused by falls, motor vehicle crashes, bicycle crashes or other sports related injuries, being struck by/against objects, and assault (e.g. shaken baby syndrome). It can be more difficult to recognize the symptoms of a concussion in infants, toddlers or preschoolers because they communicate differently than older children.

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If the child presents with one or more of the following behaviours that are different from the child’s norm, consider this a red flag:

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► Headache or persistent rubbing of their head
► Nausea or vomiting
► Unsteady walking, loss of balance or poor coordination
► Loss of ability to carry out newly learned skills, e.g. toilet training, speech
► Lack of interest in favourite toys
► Cranky, irritable or difficult to console
► Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
► Tiring easily or listlessness
► Sensitivity to light or noise
► Visual problems

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If any of the following symptoms develop, consider this a red flag and take the child to the local emergency department/seek medical attention immediately

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► Loss of consciousness

► Large bumps, bruising or unexplained swelling on the head

► Increased drowsiness or difficult to rouse

► Neck pain

► Repeated vomiting

► Blood or fluid in the ear

► Pupils are unequal in size

► Seizures

► Increased confusion e.g. cannot recognize people or places

► Slurred speech

► Weakness, numbness in arms/legs

► Changes in behaviour e.g. irritability, aggression