title: Syndromes attributed to "minimal brain dysfunction" in childhood.
abstract: The author considers two main concepts of minimal brain dysfunction: 1) a continuum notion, in which minimal brain dysfunction is viewed as a lesser variant of gross traumatic brain damage, and 2) a syndrome notion, in which minimal brain dysfunction constitutes a genetically determined disorder rather than a response to any form of injury. The evidence on the former indicates that subclinical damage to the brain may occur and may involve psychological sequelae-but the damage probably has to be rather severe, and the result is not a homogeneous syndrome. The second alternative remains a possibility, but the claims far outrun the empirical findings that could justify them.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000494:pharmacology; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006948:Hyperkinesis; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants