Neuropsychologic outcome after craniofacial fracture.
Forty eight patients with facial fractures resulting from trauma were admitted to a Plastic Surgical Unit. The fractures were treated on standard lines and ten of the patients required craniotomy for CSF rhinorrhea or repair of depressed frontal fractures. Neuropsychologic assessment was carried out on all patients approximately 17 months after the initial injury. An assessment of the extent to which the trauma had affected the personality and social adjustment of each individual was also carried out at that time. In four patients there was no evidence of any neuropsychologic impairment on any of the tests administered. The neuropsychologic deficits were most noticeable in those who had suffered a cranial fracture. In patients with facial fractures but no evidence of cranial fractures, there was no association between neuropsychologic impairment and site of injury. Loss of consciousness was associated with poor social adjustment and a marked change in personality. The best predictor of subsequent neuropsychologic deficits and social maladjustment was found to be the Glasgow Coma Score at the point of admission to the hospital after injury. It is concluded that with this type of injury careful neuropsychologic assessment is important in identifying the subtle deficits that might otherwise remain undetected.
Wood
M M
MM
Flinders University of South Australia.
Reilly
P L
PL
David
D J
DJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008446:Maxillofacial Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D014474:Unconsciousness