By Dr. Tamara Zach MD — May 05, 2026
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury in Children
Traumatic brain injury kills and disables more children in the United States than almost any other cause, and Arizona kids get hurt the same way kids everywhere do: falls in the backyard, collisions on the field, car wrecks, a bad landing on the playground. The injury takes a second. The effects can last decades. At Rose Medical Pavilion in Phoenix, Dr. Tamara Zach MD treats children through every stage of that, from the injury itself to the long stretch of recovery that follows.
If your child hit their head and you're trying to figure out what comes next, start by understanding what a TBI actually is and what recovery actually looks like.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury happens when a sudden physical impact disrupts how the brain works. Severity varies widely:
- Mild TBI – Usually called a concussion, and the most common form. Headache, confusion, dizziness, and a brief loss of consciousness are typical.
- Moderate TBI – A longer stretch of unconsciousness and more obvious cognitive or physical symptoms.
- Severe TBI – Extended unconsciousness, coma, or lasting neurological damage.
Even a "mild" TBI needs prompt medical attention. A child's brain is still developing, which makes it more vulnerable to injury and, with the right care, capable of recovering in ways an adult brain often can't.
Common Causes of Pediatric TBI in Arizona
Arizona kids spend a lot of time outside, which means a lot of time in places where heads meet pavement. Around Phoenix, most pediatric TBIs trace back to sports and recreation (cycling, skateboarding, and youth football lead the list), car accidents, falls from height, and swimming accidents. The summer heat adds a layer to this. A child who's fatigued or dehydrated after playing outside in 110-degree weather is more likely to get hurt and slower to recover afterward.
Recognizing the Signs of TBI in Children
Symptoms can show up right away or build over the next few hours and days. Watch for:
- Headaches that persist or get worse
- Vomiting or nausea
- Unusual drowsiness or trouble waking up
- Slurred speech or difficulty communicating
- Seizures or convulsions
- Irritability, mood swings, or other behavioral changes
- Memory problems, confusion, or trouble concentrating
- Sensitivity to light or noise
A seizure after a head injury is an emergency. Get care immediately. Post-traumatic seizures are a serious complication, and a pediatric neurologist should be part of the evaluation and management. Here's how we handle pediatric seizures as part of TBI care.
The Role of a Pediatric Neurologist in TBI Recovery
Once the emergency room has done its job, a pediatric neurologist takes over the harder part. Dr. Tamara Zach MD trained specifically in pediatric brain injury, and at Rose Medical Pavilion she explains to families what's happening in the brain and what to expect as their child heals.
A full neurological evaluation after TBI may include:
- Detailed neurological examination – Checking reflexes, coordination, cognitive function, and motor skills
- Brain imaging – MRI or CT scans to find structural injury
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) – Measuring brain activity and screening for seizure risk. Here's more on pediatric EEG testing at our practice.
- Neuropsychological assessment – Testing memory, attention, and executive function
- Ongoing monitoring – Tracking progress and adjusting the plan as recovery goes
When the injury looks mild at first, Dr. Zach handles pediatric concussion care too, including the return-to-school and return-to-play steps that keep a developing brain protected while it heals.
Long-Term Recovery: What Arizona Families Should Know
Pediatric TBI recovery rarely runs in a straight line. Some kids snap back fast with little help. Others spend months or years in rehabilitation. Moderate to severe injuries can leave learning disabilities, attention problems, emotional and behavioral struggles, and chronic headaches.
Building a Recovery Team
Recovery usually takes more than one specialist. Alongside Dr. Zach's neurology care, your child's team might include physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, neuropsychologists, and people who support kids at school.
Arizona Resources for Children with TBI
Arizona families have a few systems to lean on. The Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) serves children under three who've had a neurological injury or developmental delays from TBI. For older kids, Phoenix-area school districts have to provide individualized education plans (IEPs) when a TBI affects a student's learning. AHCCCS, Arizona's Medicaid program, may cover rehabilitation and specialist services for families who qualify, including neurology visits, therapy, and diagnostic testing.
Managing Headaches After TBI
Headaches are one of the most common and stubborn problems after a childhood TBI. If your child has chronic or recurring head pain after an injury, a pediatric neurologist can find the patterns behind it and build a treatment plan. We treat pediatric headaches both during TBI recovery and as standalone disorders.
When to See a Specialist
Not every bump on the head needs a neurologist. But see one if symptoms last more than a few weeks, if your child takes a second hit before recovering from the first, if school performance or behavior changes noticeably after the injury, or if new symptoms appear like seizures, severe headaches, or coordination trouble.
Families across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and nearby communities bring their kids to Dr. Tamara Zach MD at Rose Medical Pavilion for traumatic brain injury care. Getting a specialist involved early changes outcomes, and your child deserves that support at every stage.
Schedule a Consultation at Rose Medical Pavilion
If your child hit their head and you're worried about their neurological health, we can help. Dr. Tamara Zach MD evaluates and treats children with TBI across the Phoenix, Arizona area. Contact Rose Medical Pavilion to schedule a consultation and start your child's recovery.
Schedule an Appointment
Questions about your child's neurological health? Dr. Tamara Zach MD at Rose Medical Pavilion is here to help. Call (623) 257-ROSE (7673) or schedule online.