Neuropsychological sequelae after head injury with mesencephalic coma in childhood.

Eleven children aging between 4 years 11 months and 12 years 6 months were examined periodically over five years following closed head injury with mesencephalic coma (Plum and Posner's definition). It was found that although transient sequelae (neurological and cognitive) on coma resolution were severe, long-term recovery was generally good. The subjects had drug, neurological and psychological treatment during the 2-5-years period and showed apparently better recovery than reported in literature for trauma in adults. This suggests that the mildly controversial "age" variable is highly important in long-term prognosis of impairments following head injury. Further studies will be necessary; with the systematic use of the same standardised testing procedures in all studies, we suggest to obviate the problems in collation arising from discrepancies in methodological, neurological and psychological techniques.