Accidental and Nonaccidental Head Injuries in Infants: Distinguishing Characteristics

J Gordon Millichap

doi:10.15844/pedneurbriefs-19-7-7

Abstract

One hundred fifty infants hospitalized with head injury over a 3-year period, 57 (38%) due to child abuse, were studied prospectively at the Departments of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Neuro-ophthalmology, and Legal Medicine, CHRU de Lille, France.

Highlights

In 78 preschool children who sustained a mild head injury, the incidence of cognitive deficits including reading difficulties at 6-12 months after injury, at age 6.5 years, was increased compared to a control group with minor injury not involving the head (Wrightson P et al J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1995;59:375-380; Ped Neur Briefs Nov 1995)
Parent ratings of attention problems were obtained at long-term follow-up after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and compared with ratings of premorbid attention problems shortly after injury, in a study of 132 children at the Ohio State University and Columbus Children's Research Institute and other centers
Premorbid attention problems are exacerbated by TBI, and long-term behavioral symptoms of inattention are related to cognitive deficits in attention and executive functions occurring in association with TBI

Summary

HEAD TRAUMA

Parent ratings of attention problems were obtained at long-term follow-up (average 4 years) after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and compared with ratings of premorbid attention problems shortly after injury, in a study of 132 children (ages 6-12 years) at the Ohio State University and Columbus Children's Research Institute and other centers. At follow-up, 46% of 41 children with severe TBI showed significant attention problems on the Child Behavior Checklist, as compared to 26% of 50 who had suffered an orthopedic injury (01). The greater the premorbid difficulties, the more pronounced the differences in the long-term behavioral symptoms (but not cognitive outcomes) in TBI and 01 groups. Premorbid attention problems are exacerbated by TBI, and long-term behavioral symptoms of inattention are related to cognitive deficits in attention and executive functions occurring in association with TBI. Not requiring admission for observation, may result in cognitive deficits and impaired school performance

ACCIDENTAL AND NONACCIDENTAL HEAD INJURIES IN

Findings

IMPACT OF EPILEPSY SURGERY ON MOTOR PERFORMANCE