Pediatric Head Trauma

Contusion

This is a bruise to the brain, which causes bleeding and swelling inside the brain.

Skull fracture

This is a break in the skull bone.

What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Head Trauma?

Symptoms of mild head trauma

Signs and symptoms of a mild head injury may include:

• Blurry vision
• Changes in sleep
• Confusion
• Difficulty balancing
• Difficulty with memory or concentration
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Irritability
• Nausea
• Raised, swollen area from a bump or bruise
• Sensitivity to noise and light
• Small, shallow cut in the scalp
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

Symptoms of moderate to severe head trauma

Signs and symptoms of a moderate to severe head injury may include:

• Blood or clear fluid draining from the ears or nose
• Changes in behavior
• Difficulty walking
• Loss of consciousness
• Loss of short-term memory
• Open wound in the head, such as a deep cut
• Repeated nausea and vomiting
• Severe, long-lasting headache
• Seizures or convulsions
• Slurred speech
• Sweating
• Weakness on one side of the body

What are the causes of Pediatric Head Trauma?

Some typical causes of head trauma in children include:

• Child abuse
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Sports injuries