There is little longitudinal data examining outcome of pediatric
near-drowning. Most literature tracks status 5 years or less
post insult, focusing primarily on gross neurologic status as
opposed to more subtle neurocognitive deficits. The present
case tracks the neuropsychological profile of a child who was
submerged for 66 min, the longest time documented. Acute medical
support was aggressive, and recovery was dramatic, being featured
in multiple media reports. Although an article published 6 years
after the near-drowning described the child as “recovering
completely,” the longitudinal profile indicates a pronounced
pattern of broad cognitive difficulties, particularly notable
for global memory impairment. Neuropsychological test results
were significant despite the fact that the patient's recent
MRI and MEG were within normal limits. This case demonstrates
the need for long-term neuropsychological follow-up of pediatric
patients with histories of neurologic injury, as gross neurological
examination and MRI and MEG scans may not reveal underlying
brain dysfunction. (JINS, 2002, 8, 588–595.)