Long-Term Executive Functioning Outcomes for Complicated and Uncomplicated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Sustained in Early Childhood

Abstract

This study investigated long-term executive functioning following early mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), differentiating between complicated (n = 34) and uncomplicated injuries (n = 18). Children post mild TBI were compared to 33 controls at least 7-years post-injury. The complicated mild TBI group performed significantly worse on divided attention compared to both groups, with younger age at injury and neurological symptoms predictors of outcome. No significant group differences existed on speed of information processing, selective attention, working memory, or goal setting. These findings indicate that specific aspects of executive function are compromised by early complicated mild TBI and argue for a stratified definition of mild TBI.