Epidemiologic characteristics and sequelae of closed head‐injured children and adolescents: A review

Abstract

This article reviews the epidemiology of head‐injured (HI) children and adolescents, including age and sex variables, etiology, and risk factors. Within this context, the psychophysiology (i.e., primary and secondary damage) and outcome and mortality as it exists in these children are described. In addition, motor and speech/language sequelae as well as cognitive and behavioral sequelae in closed head‐injured (CHI) children are reviewed along with findings based on neuropsychological assessment of this population. We concluded that although a pattern of cognitive sequelae, including visuospatial, vi‐suomotor, and memory deficits, are seen in children and adolescents, no apparent pattern of behavioral sequelae exists. More data comparing pre‐injury personality, behavior, and environment, and family influences is warranted before specific posttraumatic behavior can be evidenced.