Recovery of spatial memory and persistence of spatial orientation deficits after traumatic brain injury during childhood

• Published in: Brain injury 2003-10, Vol.17 (10), p.855-869
• Main Authors: Lehnung, Maria, Leplow, Bernd, Ekroll, Vebjörn, Benz, Barbara, Ritz, Annegret, Mehdorn, Maximilian, Ferstl, Roman
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis of Variance; Biological and medical sciences; Brain Injuries - psychology; Brain Injuries - rehabilitation; Child; Cognition Disorders - psychology; Cognition Disorders - rehabilitation; Cues; Female; Humans; Injuries of the nervous system and the skull. Diseases due to physical agents; Learning; Male; Maze Learning; Medical sciences; Memory Disorders - psychology; Memory Disorders - rehabilitation; Neuropsychological Tests; Orientation; Prospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index; Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents
• ISSN: 0269-9052; 1362-301X
• DOI: 10.1080/0269905031000089369

The present study set out to examine the recovery of spatial learning and cognitive mapping skills after severe TBI in childhood. A prospective investigation was carried out with repeated measures. Children with TBI (n = 18) and healthy matched controls (n = 18) were investigated while the children with TBI stayed in a rehabilitation facility (t0) and 4 years later (t1). Children were assessed with the Kiel Locomotor Maze, where they had to remember defined locations in an experimental chamber with completely controlled intra- and extra-maze cues until the learning criterion was reached. During probe trials, cognitive mapping strategies were assessed. Results showed (i) that spatial learning is functionally restituted 4 years post-trauma and (ii) that cognitive mapping skills are still impaired 4 years post-trauma. It was concluded that cognitive performance of children who survived a severe TBI may be overestimated, having far reaching consequences for the children.