Our Parent's Guide to Supporting a Child With TBI

Any injury that changes the way the brain works is a traumatic brain injury also called a TBI. These complex injuries produce wide-ranging effects that may not be proportional to the severity of the injury. 

When children experience a TBI, the signs and symptoms can make their young lives challenging. That’s why support from their families aids their recovery. 

If your child experiences a TBI, our physicians at Coast Neurosurgical Associates specialize in TBI treatment and pediatric neurological care. 

We’ve created our parent’s guide to supporting a child with TBI to provide an overview of the potential challenges and demands you’ll face as your child recovers. We’re standing by to help. 

The scope of TBI

Any blow, impact, or sharp or sudden motion of the head can cause a TBI. Effects range from subtle changes of the brain at a cellular level to physical damage, including bleeding, bruising, or torn tissue. 

Signs of TBI can include cognitive, physical, or sensory symptoms ranging from mild to severe. In children, these symptoms sometimes make it challenging for them to communicate. Common signs of TBI displayed by children include: 

• Changes in sleep patterns
• Changes in appetite
• Unable to be consoled when upset
• Persistent bouts of crying
• Depressed or sad mood changes
• Sleepiness
• Loss of interest in favorite games or toys
• Unable to focus or pay attention
• Seizures

These symptoms are in addition to any physical injuries that follow a head trauma, and they may appear days or weeks after the initial event. 

Supporting a child with TBI

Life after a TBI can be challenging and unpredictable for your child as well as your household. While every brain injury can produce unique symptoms and responses, some general guidelines apply in virtually every case. Consider these points: 

Protect against reinjury

Help your child avoid situations that increase the risk of additional head injuries. This might mean taking a break from playing sports, avoiding amusement park rides, and refraining from bike riding or playground equipment until cleared by our neurologists. 

Regular sleep schedule

The healing power of sleep is particularly crucial following a TBI. Maintain a consistent and regular sleep schedule. During the recovery period, avoid late nights or activities like sleepovers to ensure your child’s body has the time it needs for recovery and rest. 

Follow medical advice

We’ll review your child’s recovery and keep you up-to-date on their progress and when they’re ready to return to normal aspects of their lives. Keep in mind that they may need special accommodations. Carefully follow instructions for any medications your child is prescribed. 

Spread the word

As your child returns to regular activities like school or group events, talk with teachers, leaders, babysitters, and others, outlining any limits your child may have as part of their recovery. 

Keep your child informed

It can be a frightening time for your child when they perceive changes that result from a TBI. Keep your child informed regarding the injury, their medical care, and the progress of their recovery. 

How you communicate with them depends on their age and comprehension. Listen carefully and consider their responses, which may be veiled by cognitive changes. Patience is always important during head injury recovery. 

We’re here to help at every stage of your child’s recovery. Call or click to schedule a consultation with Coast Neurosurgical Associates at our Long Beach, California, office today.