An evidence-based review of cognitive and behavioral rehabilitation treatment studies in children with acquired brain injury.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to complete a systematic evidence-based review of published cognitive and behavioral treatment studies with pediatric subjects who have a history of an acquired brain injury (ABI).

DATA SOURCES

We utilized PubMed and EMBASE to search peer-reviewed journals from 1980 to 2006.

DATA SELECTION

Terms such as cognitive rehabilitation, speech therapy, language therapy, and behavior therapy were employed in the search and 28 studies met established criteria.

DATA EXTRACTION

The data extracted from each study included specific details about the cognitive or behavioral treatment, subjects, study design, outcome measurements, and treatment effectiveness.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The studies, involving 366 children and youth with ABI, were classified as 1 Class I study, 5 Class II studies, 6 Class III studies, and 16 Class IV studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a limited number of studies, 2 treatment recommendations and 1 option were developed from this systematic literature search.