Children's Hospital Colorado
Concussion Program

Brain Injury in Kids

Kids aren’t just mini adults. In fact, they’re incredibly different. That’s why they need incredibly different care.

Best Children's Hospital by U.S. News & World Report Orthopedics 2021-2 Badge

Get Care

Would you like to learn more about us?
The Concussion Program
Ready to schedule an appointment?
Schedule online
Need an appointment or have a question?
Call

Get Care Now

From emergency to urgent care to 24/7 pediatric advice, we’re here to help in the heat of moment.

See your care options

What is a brain injury?

A brain injury is any injury to the brain that can result in a temporary or permanent alteration in functional ability. It is caused by structural damage to the brain or a change in normal brain cell functions and activities that define how the brain works.

These changes can affect cognitive and behavioral functions, as well as physical capabilities that allow a person to move and interact with the environment. Injuries to the brain may range from very mild, with little change in function, to the very severe, causing extensive functional impairment and thus requiring extensive care and hospitalization.

What causes brain injuries in kids and young adults?

Brain injuries can be caused in a number of ways. For example, a blow to the head (known as trauma) from hitting a windshield in a car crash, falling while skateboarding, or hitting your head in a soccer game can damage the brain. This is called traumatic brain injury (TBI) and is what most people think of as "brain injury."

The brain, however, can be damaged in many other ways besides trauma, such as by drowning (lack of oxygen to the brain), stroke (bursting of a blood vessel in the brain), infection of the brain, a tumor (unregulated growth in the brain), and/or drug toxicity or chemical poisoning (abuse, accidental overdose or exposure).

What's the difference between a concussion and a brain injury?

Concussion is a milder brain injury caused by an impact to the body or the head resulting in temporary changes in mental status like confusion, disorientation, loss of memory for periods immediately before or after the event, or brief loss of consciousness. Headaches, difficulty concentrating, memory problems and other symptoms may follow a concussion and are usually short-lived (but may last for many weeks or months in some cases). Usually no structural brain damage is identified.

In moderate to severe brain injuries, changes in brain function are more extensive and can be longer lasting and/or permanent. Identifiable structural brain damage is common.

Who gets brain injuries?

A brain injury can happen to anyone, regardless of age, race, ethnicity or gender.

Cartoon image of a patient and doctor having a telehealth call.

Compassionate Care, Wherever You Are

We’re here when you need us. Telehealth appointments are available across every one of our specialties, so you can get the high-quality care we’ve always offered from the comfort, privacy and convenience of your home.

See if telehealth is right for your child

 

Get to know our pediatric experts.

Robert Hamblin, PA-C

Robert Hamblin, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Gretchen Berrios-Siervo, PsyD

Gretchen Berrios-Siervo, PsyD

Neuropsychology, Neuropsychology - Pediatric

Patient ratings and reviews are not available Why?

Margaret Siobhan Murphy-Zane, MD

Margaret Siobhan Murphy-Zane, MD

Orthopaedic Surgery

Brian Shaw, MD

Brian Shaw, MD

Orthopaedic Surgery