A concussion is a type of brain injury resulting from a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or a forceful shake to the body that causes the brain to move inside the skull. This movement can temporarily disrupt normal brain function. While concussions can affect individuals of any age, they are particularly concerning in infants due to their developing brains. This article aims to help parents understand the unique aspects of head injuries in babies and recognize when to seek medical attention.
Why Baby Heads Are Different
An infant’s head possesses unique anatomical characteristics that make it more vulnerable to injury than an adult’s. Babies have soft spots, known as fontanelles, where the skull bones have not yet fully fused. These soft spots allow for rapid brain growth and flexibility during birth, but they also mean areas of the skull are not yet fully hardened. While covered by a tough membrane, these areas are more susceptible to impact.
Furthermore, an infant’s head is disproportionately larger relative to their body size. This larger head mass, coupled with weaker neck muscles, contributes to increased susceptibility to head injuries. Undeveloped neck muscles offer less support, allowing the head to move more violently during an impact, which can lead to the brain shifting within the skull. This combination means even seemingly minor incidents can result in significant brain movement.
Understanding the Impact: More Than Just “How Hard”
There is no specific force threshold that definitively causes a concussion in babies. The severity of a head injury depends on a combination of factors, rather than a single quantifiable force. The mechanism of injury, such as fall height, surface impacted, or object involved, plays a significant role. For instance, a fall onto concrete carries a higher risk than one onto carpet.
Whether the baby was held, fell from a height, or was involved in a collision also influences potential injury. The specific impact location can also be a factor. However, the most telling indicators of a concussion are the symptoms that emerge after the incident. Even a minor bump can sometimes lead to a concussion, while other harder hits might not. This emphasizes the importance of observation over attempting to quantify the initial force, focusing on the child’s response and any changes in behavior or physical state.
Recognizing Concussion Signs in Infants
Identifying concussion signs in infants is challenging because they cannot verbalize symptoms, unlike older children or adults. Caregivers must rely on observing behavioral and physical cues.
Common indicators include:
Changes in feeding patterns, such as refusing to eat, difficulty sucking, or a loss of appetite.
Alterations in sleep patterns, including excessive sleepiness, difficulty waking, or sleeping more or less than usual.
Increased irritability, inconsolable crying, or unusual fussiness, even when comforted.
Repeated or forceful vomiting.
A bulging fontanelle, or soft spot on the head, indicating increased pressure.
More serious signs that require immediate medical attention include any loss of consciousness (even brief), changes in alertness or responsiveness, unusual eye movements, changes in pupil size (one larger than the other), or seizures. These signs may not appear immediately after the head injury; they can develop hours or even days later, necessitating close monitoring.
What to Do After a Baby Hits Their Head
After a baby hits their head, remain calm and carefully assess the infant. Most minor bumps do not result in serious injury, but observation is important.
If you observe any of the serious signs mentioned above, seek emergency medical attention immediately. For less severe but concerning incidents, like increased irritability or changes in feeding or sleep patterns, contact your pediatrician. Even if initial symptoms are absent, observe the baby closely for the next 24 to 48 hours for any delayed signs of concussion.