Brain Injury and Concussions

A concussion, also sometimes referred to as a TBI (traumatic brain injury), results from a direct bump or blow to the head or body that causes the brain to bounce, shake or twist inside the skull. This sudden movement causes chemical and metabolic changes that impair brain-cell function. If you ever suspect that your child may have suffered a concussion, seek medical attention immediately.

Concussion services at Pediatrix® Specialty Care of Austin include evaluating and treating patients with sustained concussions and other types of mild traumatic brain injuries. We treat children of all ages, from birth through young adulthood.

Causes and Symptoms

Although there are many things that can cause a concussion, more than half suffered in children are due to falls. Other causes of concussions include bike and car accidents, playground injuries or athletic injuries to the head during contact sports, such as football, soccer or hockey. Concussion symptoms appear as part of the normal healing process. Symptoms vary and may change or evolve as your child returns to their regular activities.

Common concussion symptoms include:

• Physical
  • Bothered by light or noise
  • Dizziness or balance problems
  • Feeling tired, no energy
  • Headaches
  • Nausea or vomiting (early on)
  • Vision problems
• Thinking or Remembering
  • Attention or concentration problems
  • Feeling slowed down
  • Foggy or groggy
  • Problems with short- or long-term memory
  • Trouble thinking clearly
• Social or Emotional
  • Anxiety or nervousness
  • Irritability or easily angered
  • Feeling more emotional
  • Sadness
• Sleep
  • Sleeping less than usual
  • Sleeping more than usual
  • Trouble falling asleep
    
     

Diagnosis

If your child has suffered a head injury and you suspect a concussion, our pediatric neurologists will perform an initial neurological exam to test the following:

• Vision
• Hearing
• Strength and sensation
• Balance and coordination
• Reflexes
• Mental abilities and capacity to recall information

Close behavioral monitoring following a fall or blow to the head is also crucial in diagnosing a concussion.

Learn more about our Expedited Concussion Services

Children's Brain Injury Care 

The most important factor that goes into your child’s care following a concussion is making sure they get plenty of rest. Physical activity and activities involving intense concentration, such as schoolwork, and overstimulating activities, such as video games, should be limited while the brain heals.

Children should be monitored extremely closely while at home, and plan for regular office visits with us to track their progress during recovery.