title: Recovery of spatial memory and persistence of spatial orientation deficits after traumatic brain injury during childhood.
abstract: The present study set out to examine the recovery of spatial learning and cognitive mapping skills after severe TBI in childhood. A prospective investigation was carried out with repeated measures. Children with TBI (n = 18) and healthy matched controls (n = 18) were investigated while the children with TBI stayed in a rehabilitation facility (t0) and 4 years later (t1). Children were assessed with the Kiel Locomotor Maze, where they had to remember defined locations in an experimental chamber with completely controlled intra- and extra-maze cues until the learning criterion was reached. During probe trials, cognitive mapping strategies were assessed. Results showed (i) that spatial learning is functionally restituted 4 years post-trauma and (ii) that cognitive mapping skills are still impaired 4 years post-trauma. It was concluded that cognitive performance of children who survived a severe TBI may he overestimated, having far reaching consequences for the children.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Kiel, Germany. marialehnung@aol.com
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lehnung
authors.forename: Bernd
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Leplow
authors.forename: Vebjörn
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ekroll
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Benz
authors.forename: Annegret
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ritz
authors.forename: Maximilian
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mehdorn
authors.forename: Roman
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ferstl
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002648:Child; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003463:Cues; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D018782:Maze Learning; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D009949:Orientation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index