Concussion Management Tips

Modify the child’s play environment by: MILD TRAUMATIC  Making spaces smaller  Putting away active toys BRAIN INJURY / INJURY PREVENTION Adult-supervised play with:  Infants and toddlers should play where it is safe CONCUSSION  Blocks, puzzles, and be supervised by a responsible adult colouring, reading  Never leave your child unattended on high surfaces (e.g., changing table, countertop)  Swimming, stroller rides, walking, sandbox  Use an approved infant/toddler car seat that is appropriate for the age and size of the child Infants & Toddlers  Toddlers should wear appropriate protective gear A second concussion while the brain is during sports and recreational activities healing can be very dangerous! There is a risk (e.g., a properly fitted helmet while riding a bicycle). of brain damage and in rare cases, death.  Toddlers should only participate in age-appropriate sport activities DO NOT allow child to:  Be cautious in and around swimming areas.  Play on riding toys, scooters or bicycles  Make your home safe.  Participate in ball games  This includes:  Run, wrestle or climb  Keeping the floors free of clutter or anything  Playground activities (e.g., slides, swings) that may cause the child to trip and fall  Watch a lot of TV  Blocking off stairways  Using safety products (e.g., safety gates, cabinet locks, window guards, wall anchors for furniture/TV). A concussion is a brain injury For more information, please visit and must be taken seriously! www.canchild.ca

hiT s project is funded by The Canadian Institutes of Health Research © CanChild, McMaster University V1-June 27, 2012 Can an infant or toddler Symptoms in Infants & Toddlers Recovery & Management have a concussion? Symptoms may be more difficult to recognize in infants and toddlers because they communicate Immediately: -YES! A child of any age who has a direct or differently than older children! Watch your infant/toddler more closely 24—48 indirect hit, blow or force to the head or body hours after the injury because serious symptoms could have a concussion. A concussion, also  Headache or persistent rubbing of the head can develop! know as a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI),  Nausea and vomiting Do not send your child to childcare for at least 48 hours and, if possible, a full week. changes the way the brain works.  Unsteady walking, loss of balance or poor coordination Common Causes:  Loss of ability to carry out newly learned skills Extra supervision of your child after (e.g., toilet training, speech) MTBI/concussion is extremely important!  Falls  Lack of interest in favourite toys  Motor vehicle crashes  Cranky, irritable or difficult to console During Recovery:  Bicycle crashes or other When returning to childcare, inform your provider sports/activity injuries  Changes in eating and/ One of the most or sleeping patterns about the injury, symptoms and the need for close  Struck by/against events obvious symptoms of (e.g., colliding with a moving or supervision.  Tiring easily or concussion in infants stationary object) listlessness Modify the child’s activities  Assault (including forceful shaking) & toddlers is loss of and play environment (see  Sensitivity to light and/ balance, especially if Concussion Management or noise there is also nausea or Tips on reverse for specific Falls around the home are the leading  Visual problems vomiting. suggestions) cause of head injury for infant and toddlers! Quiet environments and activities are recommended What to do if you suspect your child for the first week; longer if RED FLAG SYMPTOMS your child is not back to had a significant impact to the head: his/her self. If any of the following symptoms develop, go to the 1. Call your physician or go to the local emergency department/seek further medical help Your child should not return to overly active or rough Emergency Department immediately. Even if immediately: play until your doctor or brain injury clinician establishes that it is safe. you are not sure, take your child in to be safe!  Large bumps, bruises or unexplained swelling on the head 2. Remember to make a follow up appointment with Long Term: your physician or brain injury specialist to have  Increased drowsiness or cannot be awakened Watch your infant/toddler closely for several weeks your child’s symptoms monitored.  Headaches worsen or neck pain throughout their recovery for symptoms and to  Persistent vomiting prevent further injury as they return to rough play. 3. Ensure that your child plays quietly for at least the first 24 hours with NO highly active play  Blood or fluid in the ear If your child still has behavioural or personality (e.g., NO running, fast action, rough play, running  Pupils are unequal in size changes one month after the injury, further or jarring motions) assessment by a brain injury clinician may be  Seizures required