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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
Investigations on Alterations of Hippocampal Circuit Function Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: November 19, 2012
Sensory processing patterns in pediatric mild traumatic brain injury: A longitudinal study
Marilien C Marzolla1,2, Christine Resch1,2,3, Petra Hurks1
1Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Insights
Sensory processing difficulties after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in children and adolescents show distinct patterns. These patterns, including hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity, can persist and impact participation, highlighting the need for early intervention.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Sensory processing (SP) difficulties are linked to prolonged recovery in adults with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
- Limited research exists on SP patterns across sensory inputs following pediatric mTBI.
- Understanding these patterns is crucial for effective pediatric mTBI management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine sensory processing patterns in children and adolescents after mTBI.
- To identify distinct subgroups based on SP profiles.
- To investigate the persistence of SP issues and their impact on participation over time.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of children (6-11 years) and adolescents (12-17 years) with mTBI were assessed at 2 weeks and 6 months post-injury.
- The Short Sensory Profile - Dutch version (SSP-NL) and Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile - Dutch version (AASP-NL) were administered.
- Multilevel latent class growth analysis (MLCGA) was used to identify SP patterns and their changes.
Main Results:
- Four SP classes were identified in children: taste/smell sensitivity, general hypersensitivity, general hyposensitivity, and under-responsiveness with auditory filtering issues. General hypersensitivity was associated with lower participation.
- Two SP classes emerged in adolescents: avoidant/passive and mild. The avoidant/passive class showed lower participation.
- SP issues, including hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity, showed limited change and persisted at 6 months post-injury for some groups.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric mTBI is associated with diverse and persistent sensory processing patterns.
- Subgroup identification is essential as SP profiles differentially impact children's and adolescents' participation.
- Early identification of sensory processing difficulties is recommended for tailored interventions to improve outcomes after pediatric mTBI.
Abstract:
Sensory processing (SP) difficulties, such as heightened sensitivity to sensory input, have been linked to prolonged recovery and persistent post-concussive symptoms in adults following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). However, research on SP across different sensory inputs after pediatric mTBI is limited. This study examined SP patterns in children and adolescents aged 6-17 years with mTBI at 2 weeks and 6 months post-injury. Caregivers of children aged 6-11 years (n = 120) completed the Short Sensory Profile - Dutch version (SSP-NL), while adolescents aged 12-17 years (n = 121) completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile - Dutch version (AASP-NL), and scores were compared to normative data. Multilevel latent class growth analysis (MLCGA) identified four SP classes in children: (1) taste and smell sensitivity, (2) general hypersensitivity, (3) general hyposensitivity, and (4) under responsiveness with auditory filtering issues. Class 2 showed lower Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation (CASP) scores. SP changes over time were limited, with persistent issues (of hyper- and hyposensitivity) at 6 months. For adolescents, two classes were found: (1) avoidant and passive, and (2) mild, with Class 1 showing lower CASP scores. Class 2 exhibited reductions in poor registration, sensory sensitivity, and sensation avoidance over time. These findings highlight inter-individual differences in SP after pediatric mTBI, with subgroups differing in how they affect activities and participation. Early identification of SP issues may help tailor more effective interventions.
