It is almost impossible to find a child who does not fall. As soon as the baby begins to try to walk, his body, although not completely, is still covered with bruises, abrasions, scratches... Nature has taken care of the child’s body and provided maximum protection for the head from injury. Most falls do not cause significant harm to the fidget's health. But there are injuries that are life-threatening for the baby and have serious consequences.

Why do children hit their heads most often?

Pediatricians state that it is the head that leads in the number of injuries received. Parents react more calmly when their baby injures an arm or leg. But most of the bruises are to the head.

These statistics have their own explanations. Thus, in children under 5 years of age the head is relatively heavy and has big sizes compared to other parts of the body. Such physiological feature in small children affects the coordination of their movements. Just a slight push is enough for the baby to lose his balance and fall head first.

Physiological features of the child's brain

A child's head has a slightly different structure than an adult's. The baby's skull bones are soft and flexible. This means that it is difficult to break the skull in a collision with a hard surface. During an impact, the elastic bones move and return to their original position.

Another important feature of the child's brain is its immaturity and high content of cerebrospinal fluid. A child's head can withstand impacts much more easily.

Doctors rarely diagnose a traumatic brain injury or when a child falls and hits their head. Komarovsky talks a lot about injuries and teaches parents to recognize dangerous symptoms. Famous pediatrician gives valuable recommendations, tells how to properly provide first aid for various head injuries.

Examination of the child

If a child falls and hits his head, Komarovsky advises not to panic and monitor the baby over the next 24 hours. Parents should provide their child with peace and not allow active play. If the little one does not complain about anything during the first hours after the fall and feels well, there is no reason to worry and see a doctor.

The baby's reaction to the blow he receives speaks volumes. With complex head injuries that involve bleeding or a concussion, the child may suddenly become unwell or behave differently than usual. If after a fall the baby stands up calmly and smiles, head injuries and internal organs unlikely.

In any case, if a child falls and hits his head, Komarovsky recommends determining whether dangerous symptoms. All parents should know them in order to consult a doctor in time and prevent the development of complications and pathologies.

Alarming symptoms

Doctors identify a number of serious signs that may appear if a child falls and hits his head. Komarovsky compiled a list of the following symptoms:

1. Impaired consciousness of any intensity and duration.
2. Inappropriate behavior.
3. Speech impairment.
4. Increased sleepiness.
5. Severe headaches that appeared in the first hours after the fall and persisted for a long period of time.
6. Cramps.
7. Repeated bouts of vomiting.
8. Balance imbalance.
9. Dizziness.
10. Different pupil sizes.
11. Weakness of the arms and legs, inability to move them.
12. Dark circles under the eyes.
13. Bleeding or streaky fluid or discharge from the nose.
14. Sensory organ disorders.

These symptoms may occur in children of different ages. The presence of at least one indicates the need to immediately seek medical help.

Falling off the couch

Young parents often underestimate the capabilities of their baby. They allow themselves to leave the baby on the sofa unattended. Already from 4 months the child is actively moving and trying to roll over. At the same time, the baby gradually begins to crawl. At this age, the baby needs an eye and an eye if the parents want to protect the child from injuries and bruises.

Probably in every family there was a case where, at the age of, say, 6 months, he hit his head. Komarovsky believes that such an event is almost inevitable. All children under 1 year of age often fall out of bed. Kids cannot yet assess the danger of their actions and in a split second they roll to the floor. Even a very attentive mother may not notice the fidgety baby, turning away for the bottle.

In children of the first year of life, the brain and central nervous system are actively developing, and the bones of the skull are not yet strong enough and are not tightly connected. This increases the risk of injury from a fall that results in traumatic brain injury. Therefore, it is important to prevent yourself from falling and hitting your head. Komarovsky warns of dire consequences. The baby can get a concussion and even an open head injury.

What to do if your baby falls off the couch

If a child falls off the sofa and hits his head, Komarovsky recommends immediately picking up the baby in your arms to calm him down. According to the doctor, in most cases there is no cause for concern. The height of the sofas is about 50 cm or even less. A fall from such a height cannot significantly damage the brain. Usually a child can only get scared and therefore cry.

As soon as the baby has calmed down, you should examine him for abrasions, bumps and wounds on the head. It is important to observe his reactions and behavior.

If a child falls off the sofa and hits his head, Komarovsky recommends, of course, if there are suspicious signs, immediately consult a doctor. What are these signs?

Symptoms of serious injury to infants

The following symptoms indicate that the baby has suffered a dangerous injury:

1. Loss of consciousness for a short and long time immediately after the fall or after some time.
2. Formation of edema at the site of the impact, which rapidly increases.
3. Presence of bloody discharge from the nose and ears.
4. Abnormal behavior of the baby, which may signal headaches.
5. Vomit.
6. Constant crying.
7. Impaired coordination of movements.

A well-known doctor who described in detail the manifestations when a child fell and hit his head is Komarovsky. The dangerous consequences of such a blow if untimely medical intervention threatens the health of the baby.

Treatment tactics for TBI in infants

At the slightest suspicion of a traumatic brain injury, the infant should be hospitalized in a hospital for examination by neurosurgeons and neuropathologists. To confirm the diagnosis, the following tests and studies are performed:

1. Ultrasound of the brain.
2. Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
3. Electroencephalogram.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the baby is prescribed appropriate medications, physiotherapy and a special regime. Correctly formulated therapy helps to heal the injury with minimal consequences.

First aid before doctors arrive

Most frequently asked question, which all young parents ask: “What should I do? The child fell and hit his head.” Komarovsky recommends examining the baby and performing the following steps:

1. If there is a minor bruise, it is enough to apply ice or a cold object to the swelling area. This will reduce swelling.
2. Regardless of the force of the blow, the baby must be kept at rest. If the injury is severe, it is important to keep the child awake until the ambulance arrives. Following this recommendation will also help you avoid missing other symptoms.
3. Place the child on the bed in such a position that the spine and head are at the same level.
4. If there is vomiting, the baby should be placed on his side so that the secretions can easily drain and do not interfere with the victim’s ability to breathe normally.

These are basic recommendations that will help you navigate the situation and tell you what to do if your child falls and hits his head. Komarovsky, as a pediatrician, prohibits taking other actions. During the examination, the doctor will be able to determine the severity of the blow and conclude whether hospitalization is necessary.

Possible consequences

The most common and easiest injury is soft tissue bruise. In this case, the brain is not damaged. After a blow, a lump or abrasion may form on the scalp.

With a traumatic brain injury, the consequences can be different. In mild cases, the child makes a full recovery. If the injury is severe, important brain functions may be impaired.

With severe brain damage, the prognosis for the development of disorders is unpredictable. The completeness of recovery depends on the treatment tactics, the medications used, compliance with the doctor’s recommendations, the severity of the injury, the gender and age of the baby, and the state of his health.

One of the most famous pediatricians who urges parents to respond quickly when a child falls and hits his head is Komarovsky. The consequences of this type of injury can be life-threatening. Timely provision of medical care helps prevent complications.

How to protect your child from falling

If at 3 months a child falls and hits his head, Komarovsky blames the parents in this case. Many injuries could be avoided if the baby was kept completely safe. Most often, infants fall from changing tables. Therefore, it is better to swaddle the baby and carry out hygiene procedures on the sofa or use a table with high sides. In this case, one of the adults must be near the child.

In addition, you can lay a carpet near the surface on which the baby will lie. It will soften a possible fall. Some parents even put pillows or blankets on the floor.

1. Do not leave your baby alone on or on the sofa. If there is a need to leave the room for a few seconds, it is better to put the child in his crib or stroller.
2. When near the baby, you should hold him with your hand. Often babies fall to the floor in the presence of their mother.
3. Try not to leave your baby alone in the room for a long time. A six-month-old child may already be trying to sit up and try to get out of the crib.

Increased attention from parents is also required during walks. A small and curious fidget can easily fall out of the cradle. The baby's desire to sit is a signal that it is time to transfer him to a stroller. Seat belts allow you to securely fasten active child and thus protect it from falling to the ground.

Special modern devices can protect your baby from head injuries when moving around the apartment - covers for sharp corners, rubberized mats. It is very important that your baby's house shoes have non-slip soles. For children under one year of age, socks with “brakes” are available that reduce slipping.

If the baby fell from the swing

Another dangerous place where small children are often injured is the playground. There are a lot of children gathering on the slide, who can not only fall themselves, but also push each other. Even in kindergarten It happens that a child falls from a swing and hits his head. Komarovsky considers playgrounds to be a place of increased danger that requires constant supervision of children.

To prevent serious injuries, pediatricians advise parents of preschoolers to always stay close to the child on the playground and support the child with their hands when he climbs high structures. When a child has already learned to ride independently, one of the adults should still watch him and stay at a distance of several meters. This way you will be able to quickly react to the baby’s desire to make a dangerous movement, the results of which can be disastrous.

Falls on playgrounds are more dangerous. All swings and slides are made of metal, which has an increased risk of injury. And if you take into account the concrete surface of the site, then you should not be surprised by the fact that the risk of seriously injuring your head is quite high.

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IN childhood Any baby often falls and hits hard surfaces. Due to the structure of the body, a significant proportion of injuries occur in the head. In most cases, this is not accompanied by adverse consequences. Still, parents are advised to know what to look for if their child hits their head and when to seek medical help. It is important to understand that if a baby stumbles in the bathroom and hits the tiles or falls down a slide, this is much more dangerous than falling on the carpet or colliding with a cabinet door. Particular attention should be paid to cases of damage to the back of the head or temporal region, situations when a heavy object fell on the child’s head.

What could be the consequences if a child hits his head?

Regardless of whether the baby fell out of bed on his back or hit his forehead on the edge of the table, he must be shown to a doctor.

Symptoms of head injuries can be obvious or subtle, and sometimes they are absent altogether. Even unusual activity of a baby may indicate a serious problem that requires professional intervention. Complications of head injuries can occur several days, weeks and even years after the injury.

How dangerous are head impacts in young children?

A head injury in a child under one year of age is usually not dangerous. In this period The baby’s brain is protected as much as possible by nature. Due to the relative softness of the skull bones, the dynamic sutures between them and the shock-absorbing properties of the cerebrospinal fluid, serious damage is practically excluded. When a newborn is injured, he may not even notice it. Children over six months old after a blow begin to scream and cry a lot, but most often this is not a reaction to pain, but to an unexpected movement in space. If a few minutes after knocking, the child calms down and continues to behave as usual, this is a very good sign.

Although there is no reason to panic in most situations, it is better not to risk it and visit a doctor. He will assess the patient's condition and check his reflexes. AND one month old baby, and an older baby needs rest in any case after an injury. You should not put him to bed, but at least for 1-2 hours you need to give up excessive activity, eliminate exposure to bright light and loud sounds on the child’s body. Despite the degree of protection of the brain in the first year of life, everything possible must be done to ensure that the baby has to hit his head as little as possible.

Symptoms of head injury

Newborns are constantly under the supervision of their parents, the level of their activity is very
limited. This allows you to monitor the baby and notice all cases of injury. When an older child falls and hits his head, it may escape the attention of adults. Sometimes children get so carried away that they simply forget to talk about the injury. A bump on the head from a blow is not the only evidence of an accident. There are several points that should alert you and become a prerequisite for a visit to the doctor.

If a child hits their head, this can manifest itself in different ways:

• a hematoma appears - it looks like a bruise or bump, can cause discomfort to a small patient or be practically invisible;
• there are traces of dissection - in some cases it is a small scratch, in others it is a deep and bleeding cut;
• There are no external consequences, but there are changes in the baby’s behavior and condition – poor coordination of movements, mood swings, nausea and vomiting, different reactions of the pupils, drowsiness and much more.

The baby may fall on the carpet and not react to the situation in any way, and the consequences will be serious. It is better not to risk his health and at the first opportunity to visit a doctor who will eliminate any possibility of complications.

Consequences of a bruise

A blow to the floor or other hard surface can result in open and closed wounds. In the first case, there is a violation of integrity skin, bone damage may occur. Closed injuries are diagnosed when there is no blood on the surface of the affected area. Contrary to popular belief, the latter scenario is not always less dangerous.

The consequences of a bruise are as follows:

• damage to the skin and subcutaneous tissue - this can be a bruise, bump, cut. A bruise of the soft tissues of the head without bleeding usually has no consequences. The presence of an open wound requires immediate treatment to prevent infection;
• concussion is extremely rare in infants due to natural protective mechanisms. The condition has a characteristic clinical picture and requires medical attention;
• Brain contusion is a serious injury that may be accompanied by a short-term loss of consciousness. A child does not necessarily have a headache after a blow. The development of the condition is indicated by the patient’s sallow complexion, darkening of the skin around the eyes, the appearance of blood from the ears or nose, changes in facial expressions, and deterioration in speech;
• Compression of the brain is another dangerous condition that develops against the background of compression inside the skull. Accompanied by profuse and repeated vomiting. Periods of “enlightenment,” when the baby behaves as usual, are followed by moments of loss of consciousness.

The presence of one of the consequences does not exclude the presence of the others. A cut or bump on a child’s head after a fall does not mean that everything went well. If the patient experiences impaired consciousness, problems with coordination, or a fever, it is necessary to urgently call a doctor.

How does a baby get a bump?

In case of head injury, the vessels that are in soft tissues, burst. Blood collects in the thickness of the skin and a hematoma forms. It can be slightly soft or very dense, in different sizes and colors.

The frontal part of the head has the densest capillary network, so the largest and most voluminous cones are formed in this area. At the same time, they are considered the most harmless, because... The frontal bone is the strongest of the components of the skull. Such formations most often resolve on their own, without negative consequences for the body.

Concussion

It is observed after the child has hit his head hard, and the location of the injury does not matter. This is the simplest of all traumatic brain injuries. It is characterized by a short-term loss of consciousness immediately after the impact or some time after it.

Learn more about how to recognize the symptoms of a concussion in

The clinical picture is accompanied by nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. Due to the mobility of the skull bones and shock absorption, concussions in newborns are extremely rare. In this case, a sign of injury is the baby's restless crying and screaming. The baby may refuse food, burp often, and be capricious for no reason.

The brain does not suffer after the blow that led to the concussion. In it, the functioning of a number of cells is only temporarily disrupted, which leads to the listed consequences. After 2-3 days, the patient’s condition returns to normal, but with this injury, bed rest and rest for 7-10 days are still indicated.

What to do if your child hits his head

Head injuries in childhood are almost inevitable, so adults need to know how to react to them. There is no need to panic; you need to act quickly, clearly and in accordance with the specifics of the situation. If possible, it is better to immediately call a doctor or ambulance, which will eliminate the likelihood of negative developments.

First aid in the absence of visible damage

First you need to establish what and what part of the skull the baby hit, and assess his general condition. The affected area begins to swell very quickly; cold should be applied to it. This could be a handkerchief soaked in cold water, drink bottle from refrigerator, frozen food wrapped in cloth. Keep the compress for 5 minutes.

After a blow, children often begin to have real hysterics. In most cases, first aid for hitting their head comes down to calming the child. A loud cry is not an indicator of severe pain; most often it is the result of fear. The main thing for parents is to remain calm; this will allow them to quickly find out all the circumstances of the accident and begin providing assistance. After the baby has calmed down, you need to limit his activity for 1-2 days. If the baby falls asleep soon after the injury, he should be woken up every three hours and asked simple questions to exclude changes in consciousness due to serious injuries.

When to see a doctor after a child falls

If a child hits the back of the head or temple, this requires mandatory consultation with a professional. In the first case, there is a high probability of brain damage, in the second there is a danger of violating the integrity of the skull bones. There is no need to go to the hospital after every accident, but after a severe blow it is better to do so, even if there is no external signs damage.

Indications for visiting a doctor or calling an ambulance:

• weakness, dizziness, drowsiness;
• the appearance on the surface of the impact is not a bump, but a dent;
• nausea and vomiting;
• prolonged crying, anxiety and severe agitation of the patient;
• pallor, blue lips, heavy breathing;
• enlarged pupils, their different sizes, squint;
• lethargy of the baby, problems with speech;
• bleeding from the nose or ears;
• large hematoma;
• numbness of the limbs;
• even short-term loss of consciousness;
• memory loss, double vision.

Which doctor you see for an injury depends on the type of injury. If this is a cut or a frighteningly large lump, you can visit a surgeon. The specialist will treat the affected area and check the patient for neurological disorders. When it is necessary to exclude the possibility of brain damage, it is better to immediately go to a neurologist.

Drug treatment

Head injuries that result in brain damage require specific therapy. It is strictly forbidden to give your child medications to relieve headaches after a blow. The drugs are selected by the doctor based on the diagnosis. Their action can be aimed at reducing swelling, relieving pain or inflammation, preventing neurological symptoms, and eliminating nausea and vomiting. Parents may only use hydrogen peroxide to disinfect the wound before applying a bandage.

Medicines to get rid of lumps

To speed up the resorption of cones, you can use traditional methods and pharmaceutical drugs. A good effect is achieved by treating the surface with a mixture of iodine and medical alcohol - the drugs are taken in equal quantities. You can also buy “Troxevasin”, “Rescuer” or “Troxerutin” gels and heparin ointment at the pharmacy.

Plants that help with bruises

If a child was injured while relaxing in nature or at the dacha, and there was no first aid kit at hand, you can use natural medicines. Juice obtained from fresh green onions will help with bruises. The liquid is applied directly to the sore spot or used to prepare a compress. Plantain leaves are applied to areas of scratches, abrasions or small cuts. Just first you need to mash them slightly so that they release the juice. Wormwood has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Fresh grass is crushed, mixed with water to form a paste and applied to the hematomas.

Head injuries are dangerous not only in the acute period. Their negative consequences can manifest themselves months and years after the impact. Even if your child does not have the symptoms listed above, it is worth visiting a doctor to make sure there are no risks to his health. At a minimum, you should observe the baby’s behavior for 2-3 days and evaluate the quality of his sleep. It is better to report any alarming moments to a specialist.

The earlier a problem in the development of a child’s motor skills is identified, the greater his chances of healthy life. In order not to waste precious time, parents need to know what symptoms of trouble to pay attention to.

Most children acquire motor skills in a predictable sequence and at a certain age. First, they learn to hold and raise their heads, then to roll over and sit down. Next - stand up, walk, crawl, jump on two and one leg. Healthy child has the right to violate this sequence, to be ahead of the expected time frame or to be late. The reason may be individual feature, heredity (like mom or dad in their time), the parents’ erroneous desire to educate the baby. But there are 10 symptoms that may indicate a serious problem. motor development and even about illness. Be sure to tell your pediatrician about them!

1. Regression or loss of already acquired skills

Your baby's muscle strength and motor dexterity should only improve every day. If the observed regression of skills cannot be associated with a recent illness (even with a banal “cold”), this is a very serious reason for alarm and immediate seeking of professional help.

What is considered a regression?

A sudden categorical refusal on your own and a demand to return a long-forgotten document, the return of a scribble-scrawl to an album with is a sign of dissatisfaction and anxiety that has settled in the soul of a child. Often, with this behavior, the toddler demonstrates the need for attention from adults or resists too persistent attempts to make him the leader of child prodigies. Don't worry: this is not regression. But if a child, already trying to run, suddenly cannot stand on his feet or take several steps without falling, this is not normal. This decline in motor skills may be a sign of serious neurological or mental disorder: epilepsy, encephalitis, brain tumors, a huge variety of metabolic breakdowns, manifested by progressive storage diseases. The first immediate step will be a comprehensive specialized medical examination.

2. Baby's leg(s) or arm(s) feel too stiff

What parents may notice:

• the baby constantly, even in his sleep, keeps his fists tightly clenched;
• the child cannot unclench his fingers to release the toy;
• it is difficult for the baby to change the position of his body - as if someone is holding him;
• individual muscles on the arm or leg are constantly hard;
• lying on his tummy, the baby bends with effort and raises his head, as if trying to reach his heels with the top of his head, while he does not even need support from his arms (they can be extended along the body);
• the hair on the back of the head (or closer to the temple on one side) is rolled out, the skin here shines from constant friction against the pillow;
• the legs are crossed like scissors (the higher the level of crossover towards the butt, the worse the prognosis).

All of the above is a sign of high tone (hypertonicity) of a certain muscle group. The child cannot relax them either by force of will or in sleep. The main thing that needs to be excluded is the spastic form. In this disease, the brain sends abnormal signals to the muscles, causing them to tighten. Prolonged hypertonicity leads to the rapid development of contractures, depriving the ability to perform precise actions, or even move at all. With severe cerebral palsy, children require constant care, a walker or a wheelchair. But in half the disease occurs in a mild form that responds well to treatment. Neurological symptoms are often combined with impairments in intelligence, speech articulation, hearing or vision. Then the prognosis directly depends on how early rehabilitation measures are started.

Do not think that cerebral palsy is a rare diagnosis. The prevalence of all its forms in different countries ranges from 2 to 7 per 1000 live births, especially often in newly born ahead of schedule. Even if cerebral palsy is not confirmed during the examination of the baby, doctors will determine another cause of muscle hypertonicity and help the baby recover as quickly as possible.

3. Baby's muscles are too soft

The reason is low tone, muscle weakness.

What parents may notice:

• when an adult moves a child's arm or leg, he does not feel any resistance;
• when a child is taken under the arms and lifted, his shoulders go up, and his head and neck “sag” between the palms of an adult;
• in the parent’s arms, the baby taken under the armpits does not group, but hangs “like a rag,” visually lengthening in height;
• when pulling rompers or socks onto stacks, the baby does not rest his foot on the adult’s palm, but immediately passively bends it;
• in the supine position, the thighs are spread apart, literally “spreading” across the diaper, without attempting to bring them together;
• the impression that the child could be tied in a knot (gutta-percha).

Low muscle tone makes it difficult for the baby to hold his head up, sit up, and walk in time. In the future, such children will not be able to pedal a bicycle, skate or ski, or actively participate in outdoor games of their peers. They often have problems with body balance and coordination of movements. Muscular hypotonia limits their physical abilities and affects their choice of profession.

Low tone is a symptom of rickets, Down's disease, muscular dystrophy, and metabolic disorders. Often the reason remains unclear. There is even a term " benign congenital hypotension“When there are no serious disturbances in motor development, the problem resolves itself over time. Unless such children become great athletes or mountain climbers.

Regardless of the cause of low muscle tone, main advice doctor - make the baby move. He needs a properly selected set of exercises to build strength and endurance and master new motor skills.

4. The child is not walking yet

If your little one's peers are already confidently stomping, but he is still crawling, this does not mean at all that the baby is delayed in development. Doesn't walk until 1.5 years old - unusual, but normal. True, it is important, together with the pediatrician, to establish the cause. The most common of them:

1. I would have gone, but I got scared and hit myself painfully. Plus by nature he is timid and indecisive.
2. Stays in jumpers or walkers for a long time. These exercise machines do not develop the muscle groups necessary for walking and do not allow you to quickly learn how to control your body and maintain stable balance in an upright position.
3. Muscle hypotonia (see above).
4. Muscle hypertonicity (even higher).
5. The baby explores the world from a backpack or car seat. Why should he try to reach or reach the object of interest? - They will tell you, just “steer” with a pointing gesture in the right direction.
6. Prolonged stay in a brace or cast due to a broken leg or hip.
7. Mental retardation.

5. The child walks on tiptoes

Most babies walk on their toes occasionally while they are still learning to step while holding onto furniture. Some children continue to stand on their tiptoes when walking occasionally, just for fun. This is especially popular with little ones who imagine themselves as flying princesses. This is acceptable for toddlers under 2 years old. If the child is older, parents should be sure that this is just a habit and not a pathology.

Medical help is necessary if the baby:

• moves on tiptoes most of the time;
• has rigidity (hypertonicity) of the neck muscles;
• often stumbles, falls “out of the blue”;
• walks waddling like a duck (a sign of hip dysplasia);
• awkward, with poorly developed fine motor skills (for example, cannot fasten a button or get a shoelace into a hole);
• gets tired quickly, cannot support the weight of his body on his feet (muscle weakness);
• loses the skill of normal walking on a full foot, if he already had it.

What else makes children tiptoe?

Short Achilles tendon makes it difficult to stand on your full foot and limits your range of motion at the ankle level. Tendon stretching will be required using thermal physiotherapy, physical therapy, baths, and massage. It may be necessary to select and wear a special plastic orthosis for a long time. In the most severe cases, surgical correction is performed.

With spastic form of cerebral palsy The Achilles tendon is so dense and rigid that the heel is pulled up, the foot is extended, and the toes are straightened, as if continuing the lower leg.

Walking and jumping on tiptoes are characteristic of early childhood. It is important to make sure that the baby does not have problems with behavior, mastering speech and communication skills. It is better if a child psychologist and defectologist does this.

6. Baby “prefers” one hand or part of the body

Babies use both hands equally. In the second year of life, you can notice how one (usually the right) gradually begins to predominate. This is normal: a person almost always has a dominant arm, leg, or eye, and not necessarily on one side. But if parents notice that the baby has a clear preference for one limb and practically does not use the other, they must tell the doctor about this. You can confirm your suspicion during the game by observing whether the baby can kick the ball alternately with both feet or deftly grab the offered toy with his hands.

The most likely reason for a child’s clear preference for one arm or leg in combination with a reluctance or inability to use the other is hemiplegic variant of cerebral palsy. In a mild form, it may not manifest itself in the first year of life, until the dominance of one half of the body becomes noticeable in the baby. Looking back, adults will probably remember that the baby’s muscles seemed too soft to the touch and pliable during passive movements. Or the baby often coughed while eating, took a long time to learn to chew and swallow thick food, slept with one eyelid slightly open, and unusually “twisted his mouth” when crying. The reason is a slight decrease in the tone of the muscles of half the body and face due to impaired innervation. In the future, the child will likely need speech therapy help to develop flaccid speech muscles. And definitely - a reflexologist, a pediatric neurologist, active physiotherapy, physical therapy.

7. Clumsy child

It is not unusual for children in the first two years of life to often fall or crash into anything that gets in their way, collecting bruises and bumps. Children who are still motorically awkward learn to control their bodies and coordinate movements. This is especially true for choleric people—tireless “adventurers.” Parents have to be on guard to protect them from accidents. But a child's failures can be a sign of a serious problem.

When to ask for help

1. The child constantly bumps into walls, furniture, and regularly “misses” when trying to sit on a chair or take a toy from the table. This may signal vision problems: myopia, limited visual fields, difficulty perceiving the exact distance to an object.

2. The combination of motor clumsiness with muscle weakness or stiffness may occur with different forms cerebral palsy.

3. A gradual deterioration in coordination of movements against the background of previously noted successes is a sign degenerative or progressive neuromuscular disease. For example, muscular dystrophy, juvenile arthritis, brain or spinal cord tumors, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, cerebellar ataxia.

4. If the main cause of clumsiness is attention deficit disorder and...

5. If a child’s gait suddenly becomes unsteady despite being in full health, and movements lose precision - it is necessary to exclude a concussion. To do this, parents first need to analyze:

• have there been any falls from great heights or strong blows to the head (on the head) over the past 6-8 hours;
• check for new bruises or bumps;
• whether the baby complained of nausea or vomited;
• Are there any unusual features in the behavior - drowsiness, whims, lethargy, excessive excitement.

Even if adults honestly answer “no” to all questions, it is better to show the little one to the doctor. And don’t delay it!

8. The baby is in constant motion

Surely any adult has at least once admired the restlessness of his little one. Tireless energizers are ready to perform feats and discoveries around the clock. Children need to be in constant motion; they get tired of having to “sit quietly.”

What is not the norm and requires parental attention:

1. Involuntary movements that the child cannot control by force of will. It can be:

• tics (blinking or winking, coughing, sniffing, vocal);
• convulsions;
• tremor (small or large-scale trembling of the chin, hand, stack, leg bent at the knee);
• hyperkinesis - violent movements of a certain muscle group (for example, a sudden throwing of the arm forward, as if the baby is trying to grab something).

2. Excessive, inexplicable fussiness, often combined with talkativeness.

Chin tremor is a common occurrence in the newborn period. A neonatologist observing the baby in the maternity hospital will definitely clarify the reason. This is often a sign of immaturity. nervous system. Then the baby only needs time and careful care.

Tics that reinforce habitual movements (for example, coughing or sniffling when you have a cold) are controllable and go away over time. Preschoolers and primary schoolchildren can react this way to a difficult psychological situation in the family and at school. Such violent movements, like stuttering, occur due to severe or stress. A psychologist is needed here.

All hyperkinesis, long-lasting tremors, inexplicable tics and, especially, convulsions are a sign of organic damage to the nervous system, a brain tumor, or a severe metabolic disorder. It is better not to delay the medical examination.

According to the American Association of Pediatricians, a child under 4 years of age has the right to be very active. But as he grows up, he should develop the ability to control his actions and manage them. That is, listen carefully to the interlocutor, wait patiently for the turn, concentrate on performing any action, without writhing with your whole body. No one demands the impossible from the baby: just for a few minutes. If parents have the impression that their 4-year-old child can be calmed only by tying him tightly, this may signal attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Without the help of a medical psychologist and a special education system (behavioral therapy), it is very difficult for such children to ensure life safety and help them master the basic school curriculum.

9. The child has too much difficulty grasping and manipulating objects.

We are talking about fine motor skills, about mastering and consolidating precise movements of the fingers as they grow older. Any action with the hand requires the coordinated participation of many muscle groups, vestibular apparatus, the ability to see an object and correlate the distance to it. And necessarily - control from the brain. Therefore, constantly “spreading” with a spoon with porridge one year old baby causes affection among parents, and a two-year-old – causes reasonable concern.

When there is cause for concern

There is only one rule: parents fail to instill a certain movement in their child for several (at least three) months. At the same time, it is time for the child, not at the whim of adults, but due to age, to learn this skill and understand its essence.

For example, a one and a half year old baby does not know how to brush his teeth, but will pull the head of the brush into his mouth (and not into his eye) and demand that something be applied to it. toothpaste. Having played enough, he can then clean the floor, but first the baby must perform an action for the intended purpose of the object (that is, he remembers, understands). Or a one-year-old toddler will clearly (not miss) take a cookie from the plate with his fingers and, holding it tightly in his fist, will gnaw with pleasure. The treat will be thrown not because of muscle weakness, but because he is full or distracted.

Developed fine motor skills– the key to good learning and a successful future. Severe delay is often combined with intellectual disability. There is no need to hope that the problem with grasping, holding and manipulating objects will “resolve” on its own. This may be the first warning sign of a neurological or intellectual problem in the child. In addition, it has long been proven that the speech and motor centers in the brain are very close and strongly influence each other. That is, we can predict with a high probability that a child with weak and inept fingers will need a speech therapist.

Sometimes, to help the baby, it is enough to have competent, regular and persistent activities that encourage the progress of fine motor skills. And the vision problem needs to be corrected - the sooner, the better.

10. Your child is drooling, choking, or has difficulty swallowing food.

What is considered normal:

• profuse salivation in an infant during the period;
• choking at the initial stage;
• pushing out food with a new taste or consistency with the tongue;
• coughing or refusal to eat during ARVI: pharyngitis, severe shortness of breath;
• increased gag reflex when pressing on the root of the tongue in excitable children.

When to take your child to the doctor:

• excessive salivation due to a cold due to the inability to swallow (this can be acute tonsillitis, peritonsillar abscess, diphtheria, epicondylitis, croup);
• sudden refusal to eat and drink combined with high fever ();
• coughing attacks during sleep and while lying down ();
• constant choking during and after eating for no apparent reason. This is a symptom of many neurological diseases, organic damage to the central or peripheral nervous system.

Depending on the identified cause of the problem, the child will be treated by a pediatrician, neurologist, surgeon, reflexologist, speech therapist, and physiotherapist. In acute illness, emergency care may be needed to save life. In other cases, long-term therapy for the disorder will be required.

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Hysterics

Children are inquisitive and restless, and therefore no one can completely avoid injuries, falls and bruises. In the process of learning about the world, babies fall quite often. But if falling on the butt or back does not cause panic attacks in parents, then the situation changes dramatically if the child hits his head. An authoritative pediatrician, author of numerous books and articles on children's health, Evgeniy Komarovsky, explains why such falls are dangerous and when you need to start worrying.

Features of child physiology

The head of a small child is designed in such a way that it is relatively large compared to the rest of the body, so babies most often fall on their head when they lose their balance. But there is also a positive thing: the child’s brain is quite reliably protected from injury when falling. If Small child fell from the sofa upside down, then the greatest injury (of a psychological nature) was received by his parents, and not by himself. The bones of a baby's skull are very soft, and the "fontanelle" and dynamic "sutures" between the bones of the skull provide them with mobility. The larger the fontanel, says Evgeny Komarovsky, the less likely it is to get injured if you fall upside down. In addition, nature has come up with another shock-absorbing mechanism - a large number of cerebrospinal fluid.

If a child at 6-7 months, when he becomes more mobile, turns over unsuccessfully and falls from the sofa or changing table, do not immediately panic. The baby, of course, will scream heart-rendingly. But parents must understand that he is crying not from terrible pain, but more from fear caused by a sudden movement in space. If after half an hour the baby smiles, walks and leads his usual lifestyle, nothing in his behavior has changed, then there is no reason for concern or examination by doctors, says Komarovsky.

Most often, children under one year old begin to bang their heads when they master their first steps. This usually happens after 8-9 months. That is why it is important that the baby first learns to crawl, and only then stand and walk.

Of course, a child who hits his head requires more attentive attention from his parents. It is advisable to provide the baby with peace, not to let him run around a lot, play active games, or scream loudly. The very first day will show if the baby has an injury . To do this, parents must know the symptoms of head injuries like two times two.

Traumatic brain injuries

It doesn’t matter the age and gender of the child, the height from which he fell head down, the size bruise or bumps on the forehead, as well as the presence or absence of abrasions and blood. All mothers and fathers should know that in all situations involving a head injury, the child needs qualified medical care.

The presence of injury can be suspected if the child experiences clouding of consciousness, loss of consciousness of any duration and frequency. Observation is very important, since parents who know the behavioral characteristics of their child will be able to notice changes in his behavior in time. Any inadequate changes may indicate a possible head injury.

If a child stops falling asleep normally, or, conversely, sleeps for an unusually long time, he has developed headache and it does not go away even an hour and a half after the fall, you should seek qualified medical help.

Characteristic symptom head injuries - vomit, especially if it is repeated. The child may have a shaky and uncertain gait, dizziness, convulsions, impaired coordination of movements, weakness in the arms and legs, and the inability to move one or two paired limbs at once. In all these cases, you should definitely call an ambulance.

Discharge from the nose and ears, whether bloody, bloody or clear and colorless, is a clear reason to suspect injury.

Symptoms of injuries may also include various dysfunctions of the sense organs.(hearing loss, blurred vision, complete or perhaps partial lack of response to tactile contact). The child may begin to complain that he is cold or hot. Evgeniy Komarovsky advises paying attention to each of these symptoms.

Concussion

This is a fairly simple traumatic brain injury, in which the child may lose consciousness, but such a loss will be short-term (no more than 5 minutes), nausea and dizziness are possible. The brain is not damaged, but a concussion temporarily disrupts some brain cell functions. Dr. Komarovsky claims that this is the easiest consequence of falling on his head, because after a couple of days, brain functions return to normal and the child’s condition returns to normal.

Brain contusion

This is an injury in which the membranes of the brain are directly damaged, as well as its deeper structures, with the formation of a hematoma and the occurrence of edema. How long the state of loss of consciousness lasts affects the degree of injury; it can be mild, moderate or severe. In the first degree, the symptoms are similar to a concussion, only the child’s unconscious state can last more than 5 minutes. The average severity of the injury is characterized by the duration of fainting from 10-15 minutes to an hour or a little more. In severe cases, consciousness may be absent for several hours or several weeks.

Brain compression

This is an extremely dangerous condition when, as a result of a head injury, compression occurs inside the skull. With this pathology, vomiting occurs, which is protracted and repeated. Periods of loss of consciousness are followed by so-called “light” periods, when the child behaves normally, without showing any signs of brain damage. Such periods can last up to 48 hours.

First aid

If a child falls, hits his head and there is a cut in the skin or hair, the child does not lose consciousness. and after a day there are no signs of injury, there is no need to take him to the doctor, says Evgeny Komarovsky. It is enough to treat the wound with an antiseptic and apply ice to the external injury site. If the wound is extensive (more than 7 mm), you should go to the emergency room, the child will receive several stitches, and at this point the treatment can be considered complete.

If the wound is open (with an open craniocerebral injury), under no circumstances should you put pressure on it to stop bleeding. Mom should cover the edges of the wound with ice until the doctor arrives.

If a child falls, hits the back of his head or forehead on the floor, and the parents immediately or several hours later discover signs of injury in the child, the child should be put down and called the hospital.

If the head injury is severe, the child is unconscious, he is not breathing, the child needs to be given resuscitation measures until the ambulance arrives. The child should be placed on his back, his head should be fixed, cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be performed, after the baby comes to his senses, he should not be allowed to move, drink or talk until the doctors arrive.

Consequences

With traumatic brain injuries, vital centers and parts of the brain are affected. If the child is not provided with timely medical care, the changes that are caused by bruises or compression may be irreversible. Severe injury can be fatal.

If a child hits his head while away from his parents, for example, in a health summer camp or boarding school, the parents, for objective reasons, cannot observe the child’s behavior and condition for 24 hours after the hit. In this situation, one should be understanding of the fact that doctors and educators child care facility“play it safe” and immediately send your child to the hospital. According to Komarovsky, in 99% of cases such hospitalization is required not so that the child can be treated, but so that there is someone to watch him.

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