Brain Injury Insider Episode 147: Toddler Concussion Symptoms: What Parents Should Know After a Fall

When people hear “concussion,” they often think of teen athletes. But concussions are also common in toddlers and preschoolers — and in young children, they most often happen because of falls.In this episode of The Brain Injury Insider, we discuss new research published in Pediatrics on early childhood concussion. The study, “Frequency and Predictors of Persisting Symptoms 1 Year After Early Childhood Concussion,” looked at children ages 6 months to 6 years old and found that about one in four developed prolonged symptoms after a concussion.These lingering symptoms can matter because they may affect learning, behavior, and development later in childhood.Because toddlers and preschoolers cannot always explain how they feel, parents should watch for changes such as:• Behavior changes• Excessive irritability• Appetite changes• Less social engagement• Stomach aches• Increased clinginess• Changes in sleep, mood, play, or daily routinesA concussion is not “just a bump on the head.” If your child has a head injury and something seems off afterward, it is important to report the injury to your child’s doctor, describe the changes you are seeing, and ask what follow-up may be needed.This episode also covers practical tips for parents, including tracking symptoms over the first days and weeks, documenting changes, and asking about follow-up care if symptoms persist or interfere with daycare, preschool, or normal routines.Thanks for joining us this week on The Brain Injury Insider. If you found this information helpful, please share it and consider subscribing as we continue to uncover the hidden truths about brain injury and its impact on millions of lives.Find out more about brain injury at https://brainlaw.com/brain-injuries/help/Brain Injury Insider is a weekly podcast by The Brain Injury Law Firm ®, De Caro & Kaplen, LLP.Host Michael Kaplen is a passionate advocate of the rights of brain injury survivors, and has been fighting on their behalf for over 40 years.De Caro & Kaplen, LLP228 E. 45th Street, Suite 1100, New York, NY 10017Toll Free: (866) 272-4652e: [email protected]