Head injury during childhood

Abstract

A review of the literature on psychological recovery from head injury in childhood reveals a lack of well designed, long-term follow-up studies. Tentative conclusions concerning cognitive and behavioural changes after childhood head injury are drawn and the implications for rehabilitation discussed. Most children with mild or moderate injuries appear to make excellent recoveries with little evidence of long-term sequelae. However, a cautious interpretation of these findings is recommended as the design and measures used in many studies may limit the identification of some cognitive and personality changes. The possibility of psychological changes becoming apparent only at later stages of development is discussed.