Causes of Neurotrauma

Injuries to the head, brain, or spine can be especially harmful to children’s development and should always be taken seriously. Because of this, consulting a specialist, such as a pediatric neurosurgeon, is strongly advised. Here is a closer look at neurotrauma in children and what parents need to know.

Neurotrama in children

Neurotrauma refers to injuries involving the key parts of the nervous system, such as the head, brain, or spine. These include concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), skull fractures, and spinal cord injuries. Because a child’s brain and body are still developing, these injuries can have a profound impact on their bodies.

According to the International Journal of Critical Illness and Injury Science, neurotrauma is the leading cause of death in children over one year of age and commonly results in long-term disability. However, children do not always display symptoms of these injuries right away and cannot always express themselves. Therefore, parents must understand the causes of neurotrauma, recognize the symptoms, and get their children help immediately.

Common causes of neurotrauma in children

To help their children and prevent these serious injuries, parents must understand when their children are most at risk. Children can hit their heads falling down stairs or off furniture or playground equipment. Children can easily suffer head injuries while riding a bike or a skateboard, especially if not wearing a helmet. These injuries can happen when children play sports such as football, soccer, gymnastics, or baseball. Injuries sustained during auto accidents are another common cause of neurotrauma in children.

Signs or neurotrauma in children

Parents need to be aware of the signs since children may not realize the extent of their injury. Sometimes, the signs are obvious, such as a clear head wound, loss of consciousness, and coordination and balance problems. Other symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Confusion
• Irritability
• Unequal pupils
• Lack of alertness
• Blurred vision
• Slurred speech
• Weakness or numbness
• Irregular breathing
• Memory loss
• Seizures

It is important to note that these symptoms can be delayed, and children may not always let parents know what they are experiencing. Therefore, if there is doubt, parents should get their children immediate medical attention.

What parents should do

Sometimes, what seems like just a bump on the head is actually something more. Therefore, if a parent suspects their child has a spine or head injury, they should immediately get medical attention. Parents are advised to consult a specialist, such as a pediatric neurosurgeon. These doctors have detailed and extensive experience diagnosing and treating neurotraumatic injuries in children.

Prevention is key when it comes to protecting children from neurotrauma. Accidents are not always preventable, but there is a lot parents can do to keep their children safe. Keeping a close eye on younger children while they are playing is important. Children should always wear bicycle helmets and other protective gear when riding bikes, scooters, skateboards, or playing sports. When riding in cars, seatbelts and car seats are necessary for babies and toddlers.

More information on neurotrauma

Dr. William G. Loudon, Pediatric Neurosurgery diagnoses and treats neurotrauma in infants, toddlers, and children of all ages. It is crucial that parents be well informed on the prevention and treatment of these injuries in children. If you are concerned about your child, do not wait to seek help. Call us today.

Request an appointment here: https://www.drloudonpediatricneurosurgery.com or call Dr. William G. Loudon, Pediatric Neurosurgery at (714) 677-9463 for an appointment in our Orange office.

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