An evidence-based review of cognitive and behavioral rehabilitation treatment studies in children with acquired brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to complete a systematic evidence-based review of published cognitive and behavioral treatment studies with pediatric subjects who have a history of an acquired brain injury (ABI). DATA SOURCES: We utilized PubMed and EMBASE to search peer-reviewed journals from 1980 to 2006. DATA SELECTION: Terms such as cognitive rehabilitation, speech therapy, language therapy, and behavior therapy were employed in the search and 28 studies met established criteria. DATA EXTRACTION: The data extracted from each study included specific details about the cognitive or behavioral treatment, subjects, study design, outcome measurements, and treatment effectiveness. DATA SYNTHESIS: The studies, involving 366 children and youth with ABI, were classified as 1 Class I study, 5 Class II studies, 6 Class III studies, and 16 Class IV studies.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite a limited number of studies, 2 treatment recommendations and 1 option were developed from this systematic literature search.