In Ontario, head injuries stand as the number one cause of reported injuries among children aged 1-17, according to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey of Children and Youth. While many head injuries in children fortunately result in quick recoveries, the journey through a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be fraught with uncertainty, especially considering the potential long-term impacts on a child’s development.
In these challenging times, knowledge and compassion become invaluable allies. Understanding TBIs, recognizing their symptoms, and knowing the steps to take following an injury are crucial in advocating for your child’s well-being and securing the support and compensation they rightfully deserve.
What is a paediatric TBI?
Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, are a broad term used to describe a range of symptoms that differ in severity from mild to moderate to severe, occurring from both direct impacts to the head and indirect traumas.
Paediatric traumatic brain injury is not just a medical term; it represents a significant disruption in the lives of children and their families. While many children recover swiftly from TBIs, it is essential to acknowledge that for some, the road to recovery may be longer, with impacts that could last a lifetime.
Causes of TBIs in Children
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association identifies several common causes of TBIs in children:
- Falls: Over 50% of paediatric TBIs result from falls, including slips, trips on playground equipment, or falls due to unsafe objects.
- Sports Injuries: Nearly 25% of TBIs in children occur from impacts, such as being struck by a ball or other objects.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Accounting for nearly 7% of TBIs in adolescents, these injuries can occur even with safety precautions like car seats and seat belts.
- Abuse: Sadly, nearly 3% of TBI cases in children are caused by assault and abuse. This includes infants who have shaken baby syndrome.
- Unknown Causes: Over 15% of TBIs in children have undetermined causes, often due to the challenges in communication with young children.
Significance of TBIs in Minors
Paediatric brain trauma, while often overshadowed by its immediate physical impact, harbours the potential for far-reaching and long-lasting risks that can significantly alter the course of a child’s life.
While a child’s brain possesses a remarkable capacity for healing, this resilience does not fully shield them from the latent dangers of TBIs. Research has shown that almost one-third (31%) of children and adolescents may grapple with persistent physical, cognitive, or emotional symptoms beyond one-month post-injury, often referred to as post-concussion syndrome.
The implications of this are profound, considering that a child’s brain continues to develop well into their mid-twenties. The disruption caused by TBIs can lead to noticeable changes in a child’s cognitive functions, emotional regulation, and overall maturity. In many cases, the full extent of these alterations may not become apparent until the child reaches an age where more complex cognitive abilities and social behaviours are expected.
Overall, the impact of a severe TBI stretches beyond the immediate aftermath, potentially influencing every aspect of a child’s life, from educational achievements to social interactions and future opportunities.
It is this deep and pervasive impact of TBIs that underscores the necessity of timely intervention and comprehensive support. Securing early and effective help is not just a matter of addressing immediate health concerns; it is a critical step in shaping a child’s long-term wellbeing and ensuring the best possible outcome for their future.
Recognizing the Signs: Symptoms of TBI in Children
Symptoms of TBIs can be subtle or pronounced, and they vary widely.
According to the Centre for Childhood Disability Research at McMaster University, symptoms of concussions (a form of traumatic brain injury) in infants and toddlers include the following:
- headache
- nausea or vomiting
- loss of balance
- disinterest in toys
- irritability
- changes in sleeping and eating habits
- fatigue
- light and noise sensitivity
Other symptoms of traumatic brain injuries in children include:
- changes in bowel and bladder function
- loss of consciousness
- impaired movement
- seizures
- visual problems
- auditory dysfunction including vertigo, tinnitus, and difficulty hearing
- Poor coordination and loss of balance
- Irritability
- Changes in sleeping habits
- And more
Immediate Steps and Legal Considerations
If you suspect your child has suffered a TBI:
- Seek medical attention immediately. A prompt and accurate diagnosis is key to recovery.
- Follow all medical advice and attend follow-up appointments. Recovery can be a gradual process requiring patience and persistence.
- Consider various treatments like physical therapy or counselling to support your child’s recovery journey.
At Foisy & Associates, we understand the complexities and challenges faced by families dealing with paediatric TBIs. If you believe your child’s TBI was caused by someone else’s negligence, we are here to support you. We will meticulously review your case and medical records and explore all avenues of compensation to ensure your child receives full and fair compensation for their injuries. This support can be pivotal in securing the financial means for your child’s future medical and therapeutic needs.
Are you or a loved one currently dealing with a potential paediatric TBI caused by negligence? Contact us for a free consultation. Foisy & Associates is a team with extensive experience in handling complex personal injury and accident benefit cases and are lawyers for the people who fight to receive maximum dollars for their clients.
Roger R. Foisy, Harpreet S. Sidhu, Daniel Berman, and Rutumi Tank are Ontario Personal Injury Lawyers with extensive experience in helping clients with brain injuries receive compensation. If you or your child has suffered a brain injury, please get in touch with us for immediate support and a free consultation.