Concussion and Prolonged Symptoms in Younger Children

The type of patient that usually comes to mind first when one thinks about concussion is the young athlete. Concussion is also common in early childhood, however: young children are naturally inclined to explore as they learn about and experience their world. Our recent study, published in Pediatrics, found that while a toddler’s concussion experience is usually different from their older (and more athletic) counterparts, their symptoms can last just as long.

We examined patients ages 6 months to 6 years in our study and found that about one fourth of children in this age group will develop prolonged symptoms after concussion, much like older children and adults do, which can affect learning and behavior as they grow.

Younger children mostly sustain concussion due to falls, while older children are more often injured in a sport setting. The younger set is unable to report their symptoms, which can include changes in behavior, excessive irritability, appetite changes, decreased social engagement, stomachaches and clinginess. Their inability to let caregivers know what they are experiencing makes it difficult to determine that they have a concussion.

Because of their size differences and weaker muscles, young children are more likely to sustain a brain injury. This study helps emphasize that younger children with a head injury should be appropriately evaluated to determine if treatments or other services are needed.

Symptoms that last longer than one month in school-aged children and adults with concussion are considered Persisting Symptoms after Concussion (PSaC). Our study adds knowledge about PSaC in younger children. More research is needed to determine what is clinically needed to assess and care for these children.

One thing we know for sure right now: monitoring young children for persistent symptoms after concussion can help ensure they receive the full scope of care needed to make a full recovery.