Long-term sequelae of brain damage from closed head injury in children and adolescents.

A study was made of the sequelae of brain damage in young patients. Seventy patients between 4 and 18 years, admitted under the diagnosis "diffuse brain contusion", have been followed at least two years after head injury. The degree of function impairment in the fields of motor skills, cognition and behaviour was recorded. It was found that many patients with neurologically little or no function loss, nevertheless after the accident did suffer from psychosocial problems in the realm of family life, school or profession. Based on these findings, the authors recommend a consequent and systematic follow up of patients if they have been in coma for more than 1 hour, the objective being the early assessment of such dysfunctions, followed by adequate assistance.