All brain injuries, regardless of age, should always be treated seriously. However, brain injuries in children tend to be more serious due to the fact that a child’s brain is still in its developmental stages and can cause major problems later on in life. Of course, no two brain injuries are alike and the effects will depend on how the injury was sustained, its severity, location, and general health of the child. Read on to learn more about child brain injuries.
About Child Brain Injuries
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 62,000 children sustain brain injuries every year from motor vehicle crashes, falls, sports injuries, abuse, and other causes. About 564,000 children are seen in hospital emergency departments for TBI and released. These injuries often produce a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments, some of the most common of which include:
- Issues with speech
- Impaired vision
- Difficulty hearing
- Persistent headaches
- Fatigue
- Trouble with motor coordination
- Memory problems
- Inability to concentrate
- Limited attention span
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Restlessness
These and other symptoms can range in severity depending on the nature of the injury. If a child is diagnosed and treated early on, this can also help reduce the degree to which these symptoms present themselves.
Why is Recovery Different for Children?
The symptoms of brain injuries in children are not unlike those experienced by adults, but the impact can potentially be much more severe since a child’s brain is still developing. Additionally, many of these devastating impacts are not readily apparent, but will later appear as the child matures and begins to face increased cognitive and social expectations. The delayed effects of a brain injury in a child can create lifetime challenges that make it difficult for them to process information, or use judgment and reasoning.
If your child suffered a brain injury, it is important to plan their return to school with extra care. Find out about any special education services provided in your community and allow the school to thoroughly evaluate your child. An evaluation will help inform the school of the child’s educational needs and, if necessary, assist in developing an education program that is tailored to address your child’s needs.
Charleston Brain Injury Attorneys
Brain injuries are among some of the most traumatic and debilitating brain injuries, which can cause irreparable damage to a victim. At Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC, we are here to help you craft a strong and compelling case that enables you to pursue the best possible outcome. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury caused by another party’s negligence, reach out to our legal team for the effective representation you deserve.
Contact our office at (843) 968-0886 to schedule a free consultation.