Recovery in memory function in the first year following TBI in children.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

To examine memory skills, at acute, 6- and 12-monthly stages, following childhood traumatic brain injury (TBI).

RESEARCH DESIGN

Prospective, longitudinal, between-group design, comparing pre-injury and postinjury intellectual and memory measures, across three levels of injury severity.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Investigation of memory skills in a group of 76 children who had sustained a mild, moderate or severe TBI. Specific tests were used to measure immediate and short-term memory, and more complex multi-trial learning.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

The severe TBI group exhibited greater deficits on memory tasks, irrespective of modality, in the acute, 6- and 12-month post-injury stages, in comparison to mild and moderate TBI groups. Performance was dependent on both injury severity and task demands.

CONCLUSIONS

Memory difficulties are present during the acute, 6- and 12-months following childhood TBI. With a clearer understanding of the memory deficits following TBI, appropriate strategies can be taught and interventions implemented for these children.