Traumatic Brain Injury in Young Children: Follow-up and care is important!

Children younger than 5 have higher rates of hospital stays in the United States for traumatic brain injury (TBI) than children of other ages, primarily due to falls. Infants, toddlers, and preschool children have symptoms that are different from older children and adolescents. Symptoms of TBI in this age group can include difficulty controlling urine flow (incontinence), trouble sleeping, and increased crying. Parents or caregivers are encouraged to talk to their child’s doctor if they think symptoms like this are happening more often than usual after a fall. We are learning that children in this age group can also have long term effects from a TBI. This may include changes in language and communication, health, behavior, and cognitive or emotional functioning. These effects can impact development and learning over time but are not always recognized on standardized tests or in educational settings. It’s essential to share this information with parents or caregivers when the TBI is diagnosed so they can better understand how to monitor and care for their young children over time. 

In particular, we are learning that it is important for parents or caregivers to monitor their children for behavior changes when they enter elementary school and also when they transfer to middle and high school. As children return to preschool or enter different levels at school after experiencing a TBI, it’s crucial to inform educators about the child’s TBI history and what to watch for at school. Some behavior changes are typical during these transition times, but it is also important that parents to talk to their child’s doctor if they think the changes are beyond what would normally be expected. With the right plans, parents or other caregivers and educators can work together to ensure kids are successful in school.