Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 9, 2026
A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: January 11, 2020
Long-term outcomes in motor and cognitive impairment with acute encephalopathy
Yuri Matsubara1, Hitoshi Osaka2, Takanori Yamagata2
1Division of Public Health, Center of Community Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, Tochigi Rehabilitation Center, Tochigi, Japan.
Insights
Most children with acute encephalopathy regain walking ability, but cognitive impairments are common. MRI findings and early motor milestones predict recovery time, highlighting the need for rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neurorehabilitation
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Acute encephalopathy can lead to significant neurological sequelae in children, including motor disabilities and cognitive impairments.
- While common in Japan, detailed reports on the long-term outcomes of acute encephalopathy are limited.
- Cognitive deficits are increasingly recognized as a sequela of acute encephalitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neurological outcomes and rehabilitation trajectories of pediatric patients with motor dysfunction following acute encephalopathy.
- To identify factors influencing motor recovery and cognitive development in this population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 26 pediatric patients with acute encephalopathy-induced motor dysfunction referred for rehabilitation over a 9-year period.
- Assessment of neurological status and follow-up of sequelae for at least 8 months.
- Analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, including T2-weighted sequences and "bright tree appearance" in the frontal region.
Main Results:
- Twenty-one out of 26 patients (80%) achieved ambulation after a period of rehabilitation.
- Early sitting ability (within 5 months) correlated with eventual walking ability.
- MRI abnormalities in the frontal region were associated with a longer time to achieve walking (average 7 months).
- Among ambulatory patients, 76% had mild to moderate intellectual delay (DQ < 70) and 95% exhibited cognitive impairment.
- A significant correlation was found between developmental quotient (DQ) scores and motor disability (p=0.013).
Conclusions:
- A majority of pediatric patients with acute encephalopathy-related motor dysfunction can achieve ambulation through rehabilitation.
- The presence and location of MRI abnormalities influence the time required for motor recovery.
- Cognitive impairments and intellectual delays are prevalent sequelae, and motor disability is significantly correlated with cognitive function.
Background:
Acute encephalopathy causes various sequelae, including motor disabilities and intellectual delays. Previous studies reported that cognitive impairments can also occur after acute encephalitis. Although the incidence of acute encephalopathy is high in Japan, there have been few reports on its sequelae.
Objective:
To characterize the neurological outcomes of pediatric patients who sought motor rehabilitation for motor dysfunction after acute encephalopathy.
Method:
Subjects were 26 children who were healthy before suffering from motor dysfunction following acute encephalopathy and were referred to our pediatric rehabilitation institute during a 9-year period (August 2007-April 2017). We examined subjects' neurological status and followed sequelae for at least 8 months.
Results:
Of 26 individuals, 21 became ambulatory after several months or years during the observation period. Patients who could sit without support within 5 months after the onset of acute encephalopathy were able to walk within several months or years. Patients showing high intensity on T2-weighted sequences or "bright tree appearance" in the frontal region took an average of 7 months to develop walking, which was longer than other patients. Among ambulatory subjects, 16(76%) exhibited mild to moderate intellectual delay with a developmental quotient (DQ) under 70, and 20 (95%) exhibited cognitive impairment. There was a significant correlation between DQ scores and motor disability (p = 0.013, r = -0.481).
Conclusions:
Although 80% of patients who had motor dysfunction caused by acute encephalopathy and visited out motor rehabilitation outpatient clinic were eventually able to walk, the time taken to develop walking ability depended on which region exhibited magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities. DQ scores and motor disability were significantly correlated.
Related Concept Videos
01:38Cognitive Dissonance
02:24Predicting Reaction Outcomes
01:13Outcomes of Glycolysis
Cellular respiration can occur aerobically (with oxygen) or anaerobically (without oxygen). In the presence of oxygen, cellular respiration starts with glycolysis and continues with pyruvate...
01:05Long-term Depression
01:11Guidelines for Writing Outcome
Patient outcomes reflect the patient's response to the goal rather than what the nurse aims to achieve. Terminology should be observable and measurable to avoid the reader's interpretation. The desired outcome should be realistic and achievable in the designated care timeframe. Expected outcomes should align with adjunctive therapies. The outcome should enhance care...
01:23Cognition and Behavior