72 Neurocognitive and Emotional Symptoms of Pediatric Concussion Due to Physical Assault: A Case Series

Abstract

Objective:Much of the pediatric concussion literature focuses on sports and recreation related injuries, while there is a relative paucity of research on the cognitive and psychological sequelae associated with assault. However, it is understood that children with assault-related injuries demonstrate a longer recovery time. This case series reviews the data of four teenagers who were administered cognitive, emotional, and behavioral screeners after sustaining an assault related concussion.Participants and Methods:Four pediatric female patients (ages 13,14,15,15) with a recent history of concussion due to physical assault presented for evaluation at a hospital-based concussion clinic. All four patients were administered a computerized cognitive screener as well as self-report measures for mood, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sleep disturbance.Results:All four of the pediatric cases reported significant symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance. For all four patients, the most notable problems across cognitive performance measures were observed in the areas of simple and complex attention.Conclusions:Results of this case series revealed clinically significant anxiety, depression, PTSD-symptoms, and sleep disturbance in conjunction with poor simple and complex attention. These pediatric cases illustrate the potential link between assault-related concussions, emotional and behavioral symptoms, and cognitive functioning. Furthermore, assault-related concussions may elevate risk toward attentional problems associated with psychological distress. Early evaluation of PTSD and mood related symptomatology is suggested to best support treatment planning and recovery in this population. Future studies are needed to explore the nature of the relationship between cognitive and emotional sequelae in patients who present with assault-related concussions.