Follow-up of neuropsychological function recovery in a 9-year-old girl with anoxic encephalopathy: a window on the brain re-organization processes.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate comprehensive neuropsychological outcome, disabilities in daily life and individual recovery processes in a case of anoxic encephalopathy.


METHODS
A 9-year-old child's functional outcome after anoxic coma was evaluated in a follow-up study with assessments at 5, 9 and 12 months post-injury. A comprehensive neuropsychological protocol was administered. Qualitative methods of analysis and ecological observation were associated with standard and non-standard quantitative measures.


RESULTS
The child presented pervasive functional deficits with prevalence of gnosic, praxic and self-regulatory dysfunction. Dissociated functional recovery was documented in 12 months time. Improvement of self-regulatory abilities was likely a 'propeller' of global system re-organization.


CONCLUSIONS
A descriptive longitudinal study of functional and ecological behavioural changes after anoxic coma provides insight into the re-adaptation processes in the brain connected to post-lesion ecological and training experiences. Contextual factors and their relations to functional improvements deserve further study.
Amicuzi
I
I
Department of Paediatric Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy.
Cappelli
F
F
Stortini
M
M
Cherubini
S
S
Pierro
M M
MM
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000502:physiology; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D002663:Child Language; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D002534:Hypoxia, Brain / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D007360:Intelligence; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*