Mild Traumatic Brain Injury/Concussion

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 .

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