Acquired brain injury in children, and their rehabilitation: where we are now?

Abstract

Acquired brain injury (ABI) in children and young people is the leading cause for mortality and acquired disability worldwide. It is often mistaken that neuroplasticity gives an undue advantage to children to recover better than adults following a brain injury. Brain injury sustained at a young age disrupts brain maturation and ongoing development. Good motor recoveries can mask the residual neuropsychological and cognitive issues which can affect the child's quality of life and educational attainment and this may have a significant impact on his/her family. Families play a key role in rehabilitation post-brain injury and should partner with health professionals in goal-setting and treatment planning. The current emphasis is on effective interdisciplinary team work, collaboratively identifying and working on child and family focussed goals. In rehabilitation, the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) provides a holistic framework to consider contextual factors and the interaction between an individual and their environment. Contemporary rehabilitation approaches reflect goal directed and evidence based therapeutic interventions which target the ICF domains of activity and participation in order to support children and young people to return to their home, school and community. This article briefly reviews the current knowledge offering practical advice to paediatricians and allied health professionals who may be involved with the care of children with ABI.