Subtle Motor Findings During Recovery from Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: A Preliminary Report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pediatrics
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) presents a wide spectrum of severity and outcomes.
• Long-term motor deficits are well-documented after severe TBI requiring rehabilitation.
• Subtle motor impairments after milder TBI are less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate subtle motor performance in children following mild TBI.
• To assess upper limb function and neurological signs 2 and 12 months post-injury.
• To determine the persistence of motor deficits over time.

Main Methods:

• Utilized standard upper limb function measures.
• Employed the Physical and Neurological Examination for Subtle Signs (PANESS).
• Compared children with TBI to uninjured controls at 2 and 12 months post-injury.

Main Results:

• The PANESS identified significant differences between children with TBI and controls.
• PANESS detected changes in motor performance in children with TBI over 12 months.
• Subtle motor deficits, especially in balance and gait, were observed.

Conclusions:

• Mild TBI can result in subtle, persistent motor deficits in children.
• Balance and gait impairments may last up to 12 months post-mild TBI.
• The PANESS is a sensitive tool for detecting these subtle neurological signs.