Parental Perception of Postconcussive Syndrome
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Authors
Steele, S. Kathryn
Issue Date
2005
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
A topic of great debate in pediatric neuropsychology has been whether mild brain injury (MBI) has implications for postconcussive syndrome (PCS) in children. Another consideration is whether MBI in children contributes to long-term deficits. Previous studies have determined that the symptoms children present after MBI may be associated with PTSD. Other studies have demonstrated that children who experience an MBI will not have long-term cognitive deficits. This study examined whether children experience PCS, and to determine whether parents observed a difference in their child after MBI. The Behavior Assessment System for Children-Second Edition (BASC-II) was used to measure self-report and parent reports of externalizing problems, internalizing problems, and school problems. The PCS checklist was used for reported symptoms, and the Rey-Osterrieth Figure was used to assess for subtle deficits in planning, organization, short-term memory, and long-term memory. Participants in the study were 12 children aged 8 to 11, six of whom had experienced an MBI and six who had not, and their parents. The results of this study showed that cognitive deficit persisted in children up to two years post-injury. Treatment recommendations and the need for further research were discussed.