When adults suffer brain injuries, they can typically communicate the symptoms to medical professionals or other adults. They know they don’t feel right, they know something is wrong, and they know they need treatment.
When young children suffer these injuries, though, they may not understand what has happened or they may not be able to communicate at all. As such, it’s important for parents to know what signs and symptoms to watch out for. According to the professionals at the Mayo Clinic, some of them include:
— Children who keep crying, even when nothing is wrong, and are impossible to console.
— Dietary changes, such as changes in the amount they eat or nurse.
— Children who are suddenly very irritable, even at the smallest provocation.
— Significant alterations to sleep schedules and habits. Young children don’t always sleep well, but parents should at least know their general patterns.
— An inability to focus and pay attention.
— Previously happy children who are now constantly depressed or sad.
— Kids who stop caring about the things they once loved, such as their favorite activities, TV shows or toys.
Naturally, just seeing a change in the child does not mean an injury has taken place. Children grow and change as they age. However, if there is an incident — like a car accident — that may have led to injury, then parents should watch out for these signs.
Those whose children do suffer brain injuries may face high medical bills and life-long changes for the child. It’s critical to know about potential rights to financial compensation.
Source: Mayo Clinic, “Symptoms,” accessed May 26, 2017
