Think Smart - What To Do If Your Child Has Experienced A Traumatic Brain Injury

Childhood Traumatic Brain Injury

Children and injuries seem to go hand in hand. Although as parents, you are mindful of what your child is doing or where they are, stuff happens and it’s important to learn how to deal with issues that may arise from these injuries.

Young children often bump their heads when learning to crawl, walk, and play. Although a lot of head injuries are minor, the most common serious head injuries in young children are often caused by falls or physical abuse and may involve injuries to the brain. Children who experience traumatic brain injury (TBI) do run the risk of developing cognitive challenges that can affect a variety of functions, including learning in a classroom setting. For parents, it is very important to take action early to prevent these injuries from getting worse. If a brain injury is suspected, your first trip should to be to the emergency room or your family physician for a thorough examination.

If you child experiences persistent difficulties in the weeks and months following a head injury, a consult with a neuropsychologist will help to identify any changes in cognitive functioning that may be impacting your child. .  

There are a number of treatment approaches available for children who have suffered a brain injury. A psychologist can work with your child to first determine the extent of cognitive difficulties related to the injury. Once an assessment has been completed, a treatment plan is recommended that incorporates a variety of rehabilitation strategies. Your psychologist can also connect you with other professionals who can assist with your child’s recovery, such as speech language pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

Seeking the proper treatment for your child early is important, as a large percentage of children who suffer a TBI are at risk for impairments as they develop. 

If your child has sustained a suspected brain injury or concussion, we invite you to contact our office to learn about how a neuropsychologist can assist your child during his/her recovery.