Perceptual and instrumental analysis of laryngeal function after traumatic brain injury in childhood.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate laryngeal function and phonatory disturbance in children with traumatic brain injury (TBI), using both perceptual and instrumental techniques.


METHODS
The performance of 16 individuals with moderate to severe TBI acquired in childhood and 16 nonneurologically impaired control subjects was compared on a battery of perceptual (Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment, speech sample analysis) and instrumental (Aerophone II, laryngograph) assessments.


CONCLUSIONS
As a group, the children with TBI demonstrated normal, or only minimally impaired laryngeal function, when compared with the control group, which contrasts with the significant laryngeal impairment noted in adults after TBI. Several reasons for the different findings in relation to laryngeal function in adults and children after TBI are postulated: (1) differing types of injury usually incurred by adults and children may result in a relatively decreased degree of neurologic impairment in these children, (2) differences in recovery potential between adults and children, and (3) the pediatric larynx is still developing, hence it may be better able to compensate for any impairment incurred.
Cahill
Louise M
LM
Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Murdoch
Bruce E
BE
Theodoros
Deborah G
DG
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D004401:Dysarthria / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D007830:Larynx / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011336:Probability; D011379:Prognosis; D012016:Reference Values; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012494:Sampling Studies; D013062:Speech Articulation Tests; D013065:Speech Intelligibility; D013067:Speech Perception / Q000502:physiology; D013068:Speech Production Measurement; D013070:Speech Therapy / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome