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Recognizing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in infants and young children can be particularly challenging. Unlike older children or adults, babies are often unable to describe symptoms such as headache, dizziness, blurred vision, or difficulty concentrating.

Instead, the earliest signs are frequently subtle changes in behaviour, feeding, sleeping, or interaction with their environment.

Because the developing brain is highly dynamic, early recognition and appropriate assessment are important for supporting healthy neurological development.

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Why Brain Injuries Can Be Difficult to Recognize

Children do not always lose consciousness after a head injury, and many appear well immediately after a fall or accident.

In some cases, symptoms develop gradually over the following hours or days. Furthermore, routine medical imaging such as CT or MRI scans may appear normal despite the presence of functional disturbances within the brain.

For this reason, careful observation by parents and caregivers is often essential.

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Possible Signs and Symptoms

Every child is different, and symptoms may vary depending on age and the severity of the injury.

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Feeding and Eating

Your child may:

• refuse to breastfeed or bottle-feed;

• eat significantly less than usual;

• have difficulty sucking or swallowing;

• show a noticeable change in normal feeding habits.

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Changes in Behaviour

You may notice that your child becomes:

• unusually irritable;

• difficult to comfort;

• excessively fussy or crying for prolonged periods;

• unusually quiet or withdrawn;

• less interested in interacting with others.

 

Attention and Interaction

Some children may:

• have difficulty focusing on people or objects;

• appear less alert;

• lose interest in their surroundings;

• interact less with parents or caregivers;

• appear unusually passive.

 

Sleep Changes

A brain injury may affect normal sleep patterns.

Your child may:

• sleep much more than usual;

• be difficult to wake;

• have trouble falling asleep;

• wake frequently during the night;

• appear unusually tired throughout the day.

 

Play and Development

You may notice that your child:

• no longer enjoys favourite toys;

• becomes less curious;

• plays less than before;

• seems reluctant to explore new environments;

• shows temporary regression in developmental skills.

 

Physical and Neurological Signs

Some children may develop:

• poor balance or coordination;

• unusual movements;

• weakness;

• repeated vomiting;

• seizures or convulsions;

• persistent drowsiness.

These symptoms require prompt medical assessment.

 

Trust Your Instincts

Parents and caregivers know their child better than anyone else.

If your child seems “different” following a fall, accident, sports injury, or any event involving a sudden movement of the head, it is important not to dismiss these changes—even if the injury initially appeared minor.

Subtle behavioural changes are sometimes the earliest indication that the brain has been affected.

 

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

Immediate medical evaluation is recommended if your child develops:

• repeated vomiting;

• increasing drowsiness;

• seizures;

• loss of consciousness;

• persistent confusion;

• weakness in an arm or leg;

• difficulty walking;

• worsening headache;

• any rapid deterioration in behaviour or alertness.

If you are uncertain, it is always safest to consult your physician or seek emergency medical care.

 

Supporting Recovery

Most children recover well following a mild traumatic brain injury, particularly when the injury is recognized early and appropriate care is provided.

The developing brain possesses remarkable neuroplasticity—the ability to reorganize and adapt after injury.

Appropriate medical evaluation, careful monitoring, and individualized rehabilitation when required can help support this natural recovery process.

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At the Brain Recovery Association, we are dedicated to advancing research and developing evidence-informed approaches that support neurological recovery in both children and adults.

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