Outcome from mild head injury in young children: A prospective study

Abstract

There is a lack of agreement regarding the long-term consequences of mild head injury (HI) at any age, with such effects rarely studied in early childhood. Given the rapid development occurring within the brain during this period, any disruption may have the potential to cause transient or permanent damage to brain structure and function. The present study sought to investigate the behavioral implications of such potential disruptions using a prospective, longitudinal design. Children aged 3-7 years at the time of injury, and suffering from mild HI, were evaluated acutely and at 6 and 30 months post-injury. Pre-injury data were collected with respect to communication, social skills, daily li..