[Neuropsychology of traumatic brain damage in children].

Abstract

The author deals with the neuropsychology of traumatic brain damage in children. He mentions briefly the development of neuropsychology with regard to problems encountered in children. Based on an analysis of the literature he assesses four basic factors when establishing the diagnosis. These factors are: age, type and extent of damage, duration of coma and posttraumatic amnesia and premorbid personality. The author finds discrepancies between assessment of coma in different experimental publications and emphasizes the practical aspect of these basic factors in clinical reflections. He presents results of studies concerning mild, medium and severe cerebral affections in children. He emphasizes the importance of psychotherapy, neuropsychological rehabilitation and crisis intervention.