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Did you know that...

Falls from a bed, stairs, and sofa are among the most common causes of concussions in young children? 

In young children, only 2 out of 10 concussions occur during physical or sports activities. 

A look at common causes  

Falls - 71,2%

71,2%

Impacts caused by an object - 12,3%

12,3%

Motor vehicle collisions - 6,8%

6,8%

Assaults - 2,7%

2,7%

Others (Bicycle accidents, collision with a person, etc.) - 7%

7,0%

Young children are not necessarily able to express their symptoms and discomfort after a head injury. 

If you interact with young children, you may encounter this type of situation. One of the first questions that might come to mind is: What do I do? 

We have compiled some practical tips to keep in mind as soon as a worrisome hit to the head occurs in a young child. 

What to do immediately after a head injury?

1 - Don’t panic!

pictogramme personnage qui respire

2 - Put everything on pause

pictogramme d'une main qui fait signe d'arrêter.

3 - Keep an eye open

Avoid leaving the child alone for the next three hours. 
pictogramme femme qui tient un enfant par la main

4 - Observe, observe, observe

pictogramme d'un oeil

5 - Trust your judgment

pictogramme d'un coeur par-dessus un cerveau

And if the concussion diagnosis is confirmed by a healthcare professional? 

Illustration d'une fillette souriante

Concussion symptoms usually last one to two weeks and can persist with less intensity for 2 to 4 weeks. However, in some children, they can last a month or more after the impact.

In young children, it is possible that parents continue to notice some behavior changes for several weeks or months. 

So, it’s better to stay vigilant for a while! Here are some of the way common symptoms may manifest in young children: 
  • Excessive irritability 
  • Fatigue 
  • Disrupted sleep 
  • Seeking comfort 
  • Concentration difficulties 
  • Regression (“taking a step back” in development) 

What to do in the days or weeks following a concussion?  

1 - A little rest for the little one

illustration petite fille avec un toutou

2 - Duely noted, doctor!

Follow the advice provided by the qualified healthcare professional consulted following the injury. In the event of atypical persistence or an unexpected increase in symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact healthcare providers again. 

illustration d'une femme tenant un pad

3 - An adjusted routine

Adapt your expectations and routines in the following days. For example, if the child is tired, allow longer or more frequent naps. 

illustration d'un lit pour bébé

4 - All eyes, all ears

Stay alert to the presence of symptoms and invite the other adults in the child’s life to do the same. Watch for changes in behavior that may reflect discomfort, pain or challenges experienced by the young child. 

5 - Ring ring!

Contact the adults involved in the child’s care (e.g. educational or teaching staff, coach) about symptoms, their recovery, and the medical advice received. 

6 - Waiting for the green light

Encourage a gradual return to normal activities. Wait for authorization from healthcare professional before returning the child to activities involving the risk of a collision, fall or hit to the head. 

Check back soon. We’re working on recommendations tools for early childhood concussion recovery.  

Outil de détection

The Early Childhood Detection Tool guides you through all the steps to follow. 

Some references