Long-term cognitive outcome after neurosurgically treated childhood traumatic brain injury.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the cognitive long-term outcome of two cohorts of patients neurosurgically treated for childhood traumatic brain injury (CTBI), either in 1987-1991 according to an older concept or 1997-2001 with a stronger emphasis on volume targeted interventions.


METHODS
Participants in the two cohorts were subject to an extensive neuropsychological assessment, 13.2 and 6.1 years post-injury, respectively. In a between-group design, assessment results of the two cohorts, n = 18 and n = 23, were compared to each other and to controls. Data were analysed with multivariate analyses of variance.


RESULTS
Long-term cognitive deficits for both groups of similar magnitude and character were observed in both groups. Abilities were especially low regarding executive and memory function and verbal IQ. The cognitive results are discussed in terms of vulnerability of verbal functions and decreased executive control over memory-functions.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a definite need for long-term follow-up of cognitive deficits after neurosurgically treated CTBI, also with the newer neurosurgical concept. Verbal learning and the executive control over memory functions should be addressed with interventions aimed at restoration, coping and compensation.
Aaro Jonsson
Catherine
C
Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Sweden. catherine.aaro.jonsson@jll.se
Smedler
Ann-Charlotte
AC
Leis Ljungmark
Mia
M
Emanuelson
Ingrid
I
D000293:Adolescent; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods; D015331:Cohort Studies; D056344:Executive Function / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D013997:Time Factors