A one-year-old can get a concussion following a blow or jolt to the head or body. A concussion is classified as a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that causes a temporary disturbance in normal brain function. This injury is a disruption at the cellular level that affects how the brain works, rather than a structural one visible on standard imaging. Infants and toddlers are particularly vulnerable, with children under four years old having the highest rates of TBI.
A one-year-old’s head is disproportionately large and heavy, making them top-heavy and prone to head-first falls. Their neck muscles are weaker and less developed, offering less stabilization to cushion the head from sudden movement. This combination means that even a seemingly minor impact can cause the brain to move rapidly inside the skull, leading to a concussion.
Unique Concussion Signs in Non-Verbal Toddlers
Recognizing a concussion in a one-year-old is challenging because they cannot articulate symptoms like headache or dizziness. Parents must focus on observable changes in behavior and physical condition, as symptoms may not appear until hours or even days after the initial injury.
Behavioral changes are often the clearest indicator of altered brain function. Parents might notice persistent, inconsolable crying, increased fussiness, or irritability beyond the child’s normal temperament. A concussed toddler may also become significantly more clingy or show a lack of interest in favorite activities.
Significant alterations in basic biological routines, such as sleeping and feeding, are common signs. The child may refuse to nurse or eat, or conversely, exhibit extreme sleepiness or sleep much more than usual. Any loss of a recently acquired developmental skill, like a sudden regression in walking ability, can signal a neurological issue.
Specific physical signs require immediate attention. These include listlessness or tiring easily, projectile or repeated vomiting, unsteady walking, poor balance, or a dazed and vacant appearance.
Immediate Medical Assessment and Triage
If a concussion is suspected, seeking medical advice is recommended, with the severity of symptoms determining the appropriate level of care. Certain signs indicate a potential life-threatening injury and require an immediate visit to the Emergency Room.
Emergency Red Flags
Urgent signs requiring emergency care include any loss of consciousness, even if brief, or the onset of seizures or convulsions. Other red flags are extreme drowsiness, difficulty waking the child, or an inability to be consoled. Parents should also watch for pupils of unequal size, slurred speech, or fluid or blood draining from the ears or nose.
The doctor will perform a detailed neurological exam and rely heavily on the caregiver’s account of the injury and resulting symptoms, as this report is often the most useful diagnostic tool. Diagnosis in a one-year-old is primarily clinical and based on symptom observation rather than imaging.
Medical imaging like a CT scan or MRI is generally avoided due to radiation exposure risks. These scans are reserved for situations where there is a high suspicion of a skull fracture, bleeding, or other severe structural damage. A normal CT scan does not rule out a concussion, as the injury affects brain function at a microscopic level.
Home Care and Recovery Monitoring
The foundation of recovery is physical and cognitive rest, especially in the first 24 to 48 hours following the injury. This involves limiting stimulating activities, such as loud noises, bright lights, and screen time, in favor of quiet play and a calm environment. The child should be kept home from daycare or preschool for at least the first few days to ensure adequate rest and monitoring.
Parents do not need to wake a sleeping child every hour unless instructed by a doctor, as sleep supports the brain’s healing process. However, parents should check for alertness and responsiveness when the child is naturally awake. Maintaining adequate hydration and nutrition is also important to support recovery.
The concussed toddler may be more irritable or emotional than usual, requiring extra patience and comfort from caregivers. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear 24 to 48 hours after the injury, the child needs to be reassessed by a medical professional. A follow-up visit with the pediatrician is recommended within the first week or two to monitor progress.
Long-Term Prognosis and Protective Measures
Most young children fully recover from a concussion without lasting effects. Recovery in infants and toddlers can sometimes take longer than in older children, potentially extending for several weeks as the developing brain heals. If symptoms persist for more than a month, a follow-up with a specialist is advisable to ensure a full return to baseline function.
Focusing on prevention is the most effective way to protect a one-year-old from future head injuries. Constant supervision, especially during play and in new environments, is the most basic protective measure. Other key protective measures include:
- Securing furniture, such as dressers and bookshelves, to the walls to prevent tip-over accidents.
- Installing safety gates at the top and bottom of all staircases to eliminate major fall risks.
- Ensuring the child is properly buckled into an age- and size-appropriate car seat that is correctly installed.
- Using appropriate protective gear, such as a helmet, for activities like riding a tricycle or other wheeled toys.