To evaluate effects of unilateral frontal lesions on psychosocial and
global outcome of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children, Study 1
compared matched groups of 22 school aged children who had sustained
TBI either with or without unilateral frontal lesions. Study 2
evaluated effects of unilateral extrafrontal lesions in 18 TBI patients
as compared with 18 nonlesional TBI patients. Communication, Daily
Living, and Socialization domains and the Maladaptive Behavior Scale of
the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) were used to assess
psychosocial outcome, and the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) measured
global outcome. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging at
least 3 months post injury. Children with frontal lesions had worse
scores on the Daily Living and Socialization domains and a higher
frequency of maladaptive behavior than those without frontal lesions,
but there was no difference in cognitive function. Disability was twice
as common in the frontal lesion group relative to children without
frontal lesions. Volume of frontal lesion was related to the
Socialization domain. Side of lesion had no effect, nor did presence of
an extrafrontal lesion (Study 2). Unilateral frontal lesions adversely
affect late psychosocial outcome of TBI in children. (JINS,
2004, 10, 305–316.)