What Parents Should Know About Pediatric Brain Injuries

Children’s boundless curiosity and energy often propel them into a world of exploration and adventure. This natural propensity for activity and curiosity can occasionally expose them to dangerous situations. This is not a criticism of active playtime on the playground or biking down the street, but rather a reminder of the potential for accidents that can lead to injuries, including brain injuries.

The delicate nature of the human brain makes even seemingly minor incidents a cause for concern. It’s crucial for parents and caregivers to recognize the potential risks and understand the profound impact that such injuries can have on a child’s future well-being.

What Are the Most Common Types of Brain Injuries in Children?

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine’s guide to head injuries in children, a head injury can affect the scalp, skull, brain, or related tissues and blood vessels within the head. Depending on the nature and severity of the injury, it may be classified as a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Head injuries are a significant cause of disability and mortality among children.

Common types of head and brain injuries include:

• Concussion: A concussion results from head trauma that temporarily disrupts normal brain function. It may involve changes in awareness or alertness. Symptoms can be subtle at first, so suspected concussions should be evaluated by a medical professional.
• Contusion: A brain contusion is a bruise that can involve bleeding and swelling. It may occur at the site of impact or on the opposite side of the brain as it moves within the skull. Certain impacts, including those associated with vehicle accidents, can cause this type of injury.
• Skull fracture: A skull fracture is a break in one of the bones of the skull. The main types include:
  • Linear skull fracture: A break in the skull bone without displacement.
  • Depressed skull fracture: A fracture in which a portion of the skull is pushed inward.
  • Diastatic skull fracture: A fracture that occurs along the sutures between skull bones and is more common in infants.
  • Basilar skull fracture: A fracture at the base of the skull that may be associated with bruising around the eyes or ears or fluid drainage.

Regardless of the extent of an injury, any suspected brain injury should be evaluated promptly by a medical professional. Early assessment can help identify complications and changes in symptoms.

Learn more about traumatic brain injuries and their potential consequences.

How Can a TBI Affect a Child Later in Life?

Childhood brain injuries can have lasting effects because a child’s brain is still developing. Research published in the National Library of Medicine’s PubMed Central archive discusses brain development during childhood and adolescence and the potential consequences of disruptions during these stages.

Depending on the severity and location of the injury, possible effects include:

• Cognitive difficulties: Brain injuries can affect attention, memory, and problem-solving skills, potentially influencing academic performance.
• Emotional and behavioral changes: Some children experience mood changes, impulsivity, or difficulty regulating their emotions.
• Social challenges: Brain injuries may affect social interactions and make it more difficult for some children to form or maintain relationships.

How Do Children Sustain Brain Injuries?

Children can be injured in many different ways. They may fall, hit their heads while playing, or experience accidents at home or outdoors. Parents can take steps to make their homes safer, but children also explore the world beyond their homes, where accidents can happen.

Common causes of brain injuries in children include:

• Car accidents:
  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 139,042 children were injured in car accidents in 2020. Child passengers can sustain serious head injuries in collisions, even when properly restrained.
• Bicycle and scooter accidents:
  Riding bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and electric-powered alternatives without appropriate safety equipment can result in head injuries. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidance on electric scooters discusses safety concerns for children. Research reported by U.S. News & World Report on electric scooter injuries among children also highlights the risk of head injuries.
• Playground injuries:
  According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s playground safety checklist, playground equipment can pose injury risks to children. The National Safety Council’s playground safety guidance highlights several hazards to watch for:
  • Ground surfaces: Appropriate impact-absorbing materials can help reduce injuries from falls. Check for exposed concrete, rocks, or tree stumps.
  • Crowded areas: Maintain appropriate clearance around play equipment and swings.
  • Elevated areas: Check that elevated platforms have appropriate protective barriers.
  • Sharp edges: Look for protruding bolts, hooks, and other potentially hazardous equipment components.
• Pool injuries:
  Drowning and other swimming-related accidents can have devastating consequences, including brain injury. An Illinois government report on child drowning deaths discusses the impact of these incidents. The New York Times has also reported on childhood drowning deaths and trends in these incidents.
• Dog bites:
  Dog bites can cause serious injuries to children, including head and facial trauma. Young children may not recognize an animal’s warning signs, and even familiar pets can react unpredictably in stressful situations.

Who May Be Liable for a Child’s Brain Injury?

Depending on the circumstances, several parties may be responsible for a child’s injury. Potentially liable parties can include drivers, pet owners, property owners, schools, and school administrators. Liability depends on the facts of the incident and the applicable law.

If another party’s negligence contributed to your child’s brain injury, seeking legal advice can help you understand your options. A personal injury lawyer in Alton, Illinois, from Glisson Law can help evaluate potential liability and pursue compensation where appropriate for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other recoverable losses. Depending on the circumstances, a claim may also address certain financial losses experienced by a child’s caregiver.

Glisson Law serves clients in Alton, Belleville, Edwardsville, St. Clair County, Madison County, southwestern Illinois, and Missouri. Contact Glisson Law to discuss your child’s injury and request a free consultation.