Citation

Renström B, Söderman K, Domellöf E, Emanuelson I. Brain Inj. 2012; 26(12): 1405-1414.

Affiliation

Kolbäcken Child Rehabilitation Centre , Umeå , Sweden.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.3109/02699052.2012.694559

PMID

22720997

Abstract

Primary objective: During childhood, the central nervous system is in a state of rapid development which can be interrupted by a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study aimed to describe if and how TBI during childhood influences health and life situation, 5-8 years later. Research design: A case-control retrospective design was employed for the assessment of 61 adolescents and young adults with a mild, moderate or severe TBI and 229 matched controls from a normative group (16-24 years). Methods and procedures: SF-36 (Short Form 36 health survey) and a self-reported questionnaire measuring life situation were distributed to youths suffering TBI 5-8 years ago. Forty-five youths (74%) completed the questionnaires. Main outcomes and results: Participants with a TBI stated lower self-estimated health compared with the normative group. Remaining self-reported symptoms were physical and cognitive. Negative effects of TBI influencing school results, leisure activities and thoughts about future life situation were also described. Conclusion: Young individuals experience sustained negative effects of childhood TBI on health and life situation. More research is necessary to detect, understand and properly support these youths.

Language: en