Assessment of functional and psychosocial outcomes in children four years post head injury

Functional and psychosocial outcomes were examined four years following severe head injury in childhood. The children were recruited from those admitted to a regional neurosurgical unit in the UK. The parents/ carers of 19 children responded to a survey (representing a response rate of 63.3 per cent) which asked respondents to rate current functioning, recovery of skills and rehabilitation services received by their child. Results suggested strong evidence of residual deficits, with psychological problems (cognitive and behavioural) manifesting poorer levels of recovery compared to physical and functional difficulties. An association was observed between the extent of cognitive deficits (e.g. attention and concentration) and adjustment difficulties (e.g. hyperactivity, conduct and peer relationship problems). Family contact with service delivery systems appeared patchy and in the main unrelated to recovery parameters. Implications for understanding the mechanisms mediating outcome following severe head injury in childhood and consequent needs are discussed.