[Psychosocial consequences of head injuries in children (author's transl)]

Psychosocial consequences of head injuries in children can be understood in terms of an interaction between pretraumatic conditions, conditions and sequelae of the trauma (injury) and posttraumatic factors. The results of these interactions in the area of psychosocial functioning can be defined as effects on development in general as well as effects on school behaviour, occupational and family situation. Taking into account these factors, and the reaction of the famility, two major reactions can be identified: (1) Insisting on the until now practised attitude to the child, (2) Abrupt changing of the attitude to the child after head injury. Both reactions lead to an inadequate handling of the child and in consequence to overtax or overprotection. Finally, also the reaction of the child has to be taken into account. It should be integrated into the rehabilitation program. There seem to be differences between children with slight and severe head injuries.