Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) have been in the news recently because of the number of athletes, both at the college and professional level, who have come forward and admitted they are dealing with the effects of a TBI. However, TBIs are most likely to occur in children under age four, adolescents between ages 15 and 19, and adults age 65 and older.

If you are a parent, or are around young children on a regular basis, it is important to recognize the symptoms of a TBI and know that those symptoms vary somewhat in adults and children. A TBI is usually caused when a child hits his head against a hard surface.  Common scenarios include falls, motor vehicle crashes, fighting, and being struck by something while playing sports.

Unfortunately, TBIs are often difficult to recognize because symptoms may not appear right away, and young children often have difficulty articulating or describing their symptoms. Common symptoms in young children include listlessness, fatigue, irritability, changes in eating or sleeping patterns, changes in school performance, loss of interest in favorite toys or activities, loss of new skills, unsteady walking or trouble balancing, and vomiting.

Despite the difficulty associated with identifying a TBI, if you think a child might be suffering from a TBI, seek treatment immediately.  Early treatment tends to be the most effective and TBIs in children can cause lifelong complications.  Physical and sensory problems are a typical complication and include fatigue, sleep problems, headaches, seizures, toileting problems, vision and hearing difficulties, motor problems and sensory sensitivity.

If your child suffered a TBI due to an accident or the negligence of another person, contact an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney to determine your rights.