Neurological Balance and Medical Disorders
Authored by: The DrSensory Editorial Team
Reviewed by: 🛡️ DrSensory Clinical Review Board
Last updated: June 2026
Key Takeaways
- A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a disruption in normal brain function caused by a blow, jolt, or penetrating injury to the head, and concussions are the most common type, typically classified as mild TBIs.
- Because children's brains are still developing, they are more vulnerable to injury and may have longer recovery times, especially when early intervention is delayed.
- TBI symptoms can vary by age, severity, and injury location, and they may appear immediately or develop hours or days later, so even mild head injuries need careful monitoring.
- Most children recover from mild concussions within 2 to 4 weeks, but some experience post-concussion syndrome or long-term effects, and moderate to severe TBIs may require months or years of rehabilitation.
- Pediatric therapy supports physical healing, cognitive development, communication, and emotional regulation, and a multidisciplinary approach combining therapies to the child's needs is often best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes traumatic brain injuries and concussions in children?
In children, TBIs can result from falls (such as from furniture, stairs, or playground equipment), sports injuries like football, soccer, and cheerleading, motor vehicle crashes, bicycle accidents, blunt-force trauma, and non-accidental trauma such as abuse or shaken baby syndrome.
What are the signs of a concussion in a young child?
Young children may show subtle signs such as excessive crying, loss of interest in favorite activities, or disrupted sleep patterns. Other symptoms can include headache, vomiting or nausea, dizziness or balance problems, sensitivity to light or noise, confusion, and difficulty concentrating.
How long does it take a child to recover from a concussion?
Most children recover from mild concussions within 2 to 4 weeks. Some, however, experience post-concussion syndrome or long-term effects, and moderate to severe TBIs may require months or years of rehabilitation.
How is a TBI or concussion diagnosed in children?
A pediatrician, neurologist, or emergency provider typically performs a clinical evaluation and symptom review, a neurological exam of reflexes, balance, and coordination, imaging such as CT or MRI scans for moderate to severe injuries, and neuropsychological assessments to evaluate cognitive and emotional function.
How can therapy help my child recover from a brain injury?
Pediatric therapists help rebuild daily living skills like dressing, feeding, and grooming; improve attention, memory, and executive function; support balance, coordination, and strength; and treat speech, language, and social communication challenges. They also support sensory integration and school participation as part of recovery.
