Limited research has investigated specific attentional sequelae
following pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI), such as sustained,
selective, and shifting attention, as well as speed of processing.
Little is known about the pattern of recovery of these skills or their
interaction with ongoing development. The present study examined
attentional abilities at acute, 6-, 12-, and 24-month time points
postinjury in a group of 71 children who had sustained a mild,
moderate, or severe TBI. Results indicated that children who sustained
a severe TBI generally performed poorest, but showed most recovery over
time. The pattern of recovery was dependent on the attentional
component being measured. Specifically, deficits were most evident on
more complex and timed tasks. While a number of areas showed recovery
over time, for some attentional components, difficulties persisted to
24 months postinjury. (JINS, 2005, 11,
84–98.)