The worst feeling in the world is seeing your child in pain. My oldest was an infant he fell out of the bed and I about died, little did I know that wasn't going to be his first fall. As I quickly hopped out of the bed to grab my crying baby, I cried with him; how could I be so negligent? Is he ok? Did he injure his brain? Then, of course I ran to Google to make sure there wasn't anything major and most of the posts said the baby will be fine and all babies fall. Yea.....ok but I don't want my baby to fall. Well anyways almost 9 years later he's a straight A student and amazing athlete.
Second boy comes along, I promised myself I wasn't going to allow this child to fall................welp promise broken! Now we're on the 3rd boy: Operation NO FALLS. We actually did pretty good UNTIL we didn't. My husband stepped out of the room while I was in the shower and left our 6 month old unattended in the bed. All of sudden I hear a loud boom followed by crying. Sweet baby Jesus! This baby has fallen too. I rush out of the shower to my husband holding this ailing baby of ours. I was so pissed because why would you leave this active baby in the room in the bed by himself?! He finished getting him dressed so I could get him dropped off to daycare.
So it begins, his teacher called me because he would have spurts throughout the day where he would cry uncontrollably, she also stated that he vomited a few times. So I figured maybe he just wasn't feeling well. Over the next few days he would cry uncontrollably every night. During the day he would just stare off into space, he wouldn't play with his friends at school and he was not himself. I began to become concerned. It wasn't until the 3rd or 4th night since the fall that I realized the uncontrollable crying was because he was having bad headaches. I had my husband rush him to the ER................CONCUSSION. He displayed all the signs of a concussion. Now how the hell did I miss that? I diagnose concussions multiple times a week but completely missed it in MY OWN baby.
It's easier when you have someone older that can talk and tell you the symptoms they are experiencing but with a baby you have to pay attention to and recognize the signs. Here are some signs to lookout for in a baby that has had a fall and is like concussed:
Changes in Behavior: One of the earliest indicators of a concussion in a baby is a noticeable change in behavior. Keep an eye out for unusual fussiness, irritability, or excessive crying that seems out of the ordinary. Babies who are normally calm may become more agitated, while more active babies may become unusually quiet and subdued.
Vomiting and Nausea: Babies with concussions may experience nausea and vomiting. If your baby has recently suffered a fall or blow to the head and is showing signs of gastrointestinal distress, it's important to seek medical attention promptly. However, it's crucial to note that vomiting alone may not always indicate a concussion, so consider other accompanying symptoms.
Changes in Sleeping Patterns: Pay attention to any changes in your baby's sleeping habits. Excessive sleepiness or difficulty waking up could be indicative of a concussion. On the other hand, some babies may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, so be attuned to disruptions in their usual sleep patterns.
Persistent Crying or Inconsolability: Concussed babies may cry persistently and be difficult to comfort. If your baby continues to cry despite attempts to soothe them, it could be a sign of distress. This prolonged crying may be accompanied by an aversion to being held or touched, especially around the head.
Unusual Eye Movements or Unequal Pupil Size: Observe your baby's eyes for any abnormal movements, such as repetitive jerking or fluttering. Additionally, check if their pupils are equal in size. Any asymmetry in pupil size or abnormal eye movements may indicate a neurological issue, including a concussion.
Difficulty with Balance or Coordination: Keep an eye on your baby's motor skills. If they exhibit difficulty with balance or coordination, seem unsteady when trying to sit up or stand, or have trouble holding their head up, it could be a red flag for a concussion.
Conclusion: While these signs may be indicative of a concussion, it's important to remember that every baby is unique, and symptoms can vary. If you suspect your baby may have sustained a head injury, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider, who can assess your baby's condition and provide appropriate guidance. Early detection and intervention play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and future health of your little one.