Concussions From Auto Accidents: What Parents Need to Know

As a parent, there is no worse feeling than seeing your child get injured. Even if you do everything possible to keep your children safe, the reality is that every trip in the car has the potential to end in an accident. Vehicle collisions can cause all types of injuries, and young children are particularly susceptible to certain types of accident-related trauma.

After a car accident, it is best to seek medical attention for everyone who was in the car. Even if a child is not complaining of pain or other symptoms, it is still prudent to have a doctor conduct a physical examination. But, since the effects of traumatic injuries can often develop in the days following an accident, it is important to continue to monitor your children’s symptoms and behavior after going to the doctor as well.

Key Facts about Concussions in Young Children

In this regard, one of the biggest risks is the risk of a concussion. Even “minor” concussions can have long-term effects for young children, and children are often not able to fully communicate the effects of these types of injuries. If your child was recently involved in an auto accident and you have concerns about a potential concussion, here are some key facts for you to know:

1. Concussion Symptoms

Generally speaking, the symptoms of a concussion are similar for children and adults. If your child is complaining of or exhibiting signs of the following, you should see your child’s doctor promptly:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Feeling “foggy” or confused
• Headaches
• Sensitivity to light

Unresponsiveness, severe confusion, slurred or incomprehensible speech, difficulty walking and vomiting are also signs of a potentially-serious brain injury and should be treated as a medical emergency.

2. Communicating with Your Child

When communicating with your child to learn more about his or her condition, it is important to use words he or she can understand. Your child won’t know if he or she has a concussion, and your child may not know how to describe feelings that he or she has never experienced in the past. Be patient, help your child find words or point to the areas where they hurt or “feel funny,” and err on the side of caution when deciding whether to seek medical attention.

3. Medical Diagnosis and Treatment

It is never a bad decision to take your child to the doctor. If you schedule an appointment, let your doctor know that you are concerned about a potential concussion, and try to provide as much detail about the accident as you can. When you describe your child’s symptoms, do not be afraid to use your child’s own words. Pediatricians talk to children about their symptoms regularly, and your pediatrician may be able to draw insights from your child’s words based upon his or her prior medical experience. Ultimately, the best thing you can do is give your pediatrician as much information as possible so that he or she can provide an accurate diagnosis.

Searcy Denney | Florida Auto Accident Attorneys

At Searcy Denney, we provide aggressive legal representation for individuals and families who are struggling to cope with the effects of accident-related injuries. If your child has been diagnosed with a concussion, or if you are concerned about a possible concussion, we can help ensure that your child has access to the medical care he or she needs to recover. To learn more, call (800) 780-8607 or request a free consultation online today.