You do what you can to protect your children. Unfortunately, accidents sometimes occur that are out of your control. In the event of a head injury, there are a few key things you should do to receive the proper diagnosis.
Seek medical help
Immediately following a serious accident, it is important that your take your child to seek medical attention. Even if there are no physical signs of injury, there may be internal issues. A doctor should check for, diagnose and treat any issues noted.
Look for symptoms
Even after a medical exam, it is important to keep an eye on your child. Some traumatic brain injury symptoms may not develop until later on. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) breaks down symptoms of brain injury into four categories:
Depending on the age of the child, it may not be possible to spot some of the symptoms. This is particularly true with infants and young children. In such cases, there are a few specific signs to look for:
- Change in habits (eating, sleeping, nursing, etc.)
- Persistent and inconsolable crying
- Sad mood and loss of interest
- Easily irritable
When parents recognize one or more of these signs, it is a good idea to take the child to a pediatrician. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Annual physicals
Annual physicals are beneficial for the general health of children. Also, some results of trauma may take years to develop. Therefore, annual physicals may be crucial to identifying such issues and any others that children may face.
By implementing these tips, you can seek the proper diagnosis and treatment for your child and help her or him to live a quality life. If someone else was to blame for your child’s injuries, you may be entitled to compensation that can help you with your medical expenses and future care and treatment.