Traumatic Brain Injury in Young Children: A Scoping Review

Seminars in Speech and Language

Salley, J., Crook, L., et al. (2020).

Seminars in Speech and Language, 41(2), 125-142.

This systematic review explores the available evidence regarding early childhood (i.e. 5 years and 11 months or below) traumatic brain injury regarding etiology, assessment, treatment, outcomes, and contributing factors.

None declared

2000 to July 1, 2019

Peer-reviewed articles excluding case reports and case studies

44

Findings demonstrated the need for comprehensive evaluation following early (5 years and 11 month or under) traumatic brain injury (TBI), with advocacy for neuropsychology assessment to avoid the under-identification of cognitive delays following TBI. Caregiver reports can be used in addition to formal measures to capture functional changes not traditionally evaluated by standardized assessments (e.g. changes in health, behavior, executive functioning, physical and/or cognitive functioning, emotions, and sleep symptoms) and to inform overall treatment.

Findings demonstrated that young (5 years and 11 month or under) children who sustained traumatic brain injury (TBI) generally did not receive speech-language pathology (SLP) treatment in acute, outpatient, early childhood, or preschool settings despite likelihood of persistent deficits. Those who were hospitalized for longer periods of time, possibly due to more severe TBI, were more likely to receive SLP services following discharge. While several studies reported some spontaneous recovery 12 months status post injury, deficits, the potential for lifelong reductions in quality of life, and difficulty meeting cognitive, social, and academic expectations persist. Factors influencing the recovery or outcomes of young children with TBI included injury severity, age at the time of injury, history of one or more TBIs, preinjury functioning, environmental and family factors, and receipt of services. SLP assessment, with treatment as appropriate should be provided to young children following TBI. Further high quality research is needed to determine best practice regarding specific screening, assessment, and treatment tools to assist SLPs in this process.