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Is Computerized Cognitive Testing Useful in Children and Adolescents with Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 February 2017

Vickie Plourde  and
Brian L. Brooks
Vickie Plourde
Affiliation:
Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Brian L. Brooks*
Affiliation:
Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada Neurosciences (Brain Injury and Rehabilitation Program), Alberta Children’s Hospital, Alberta, Canada Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
*
Correspondence and reprint requests to: Brian L. Brooks, Neurosciences Program, Alberta Children’s Hospital, 2888 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T3B 6A8. E-mail: brian.brooks@albertahealthservices.ca
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Abstract

Objectives: Children and adolescents with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) present with short and long-term neuropsychological deficits following their injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of a brief computerized test battery for evaluating cognitive functioning sub-acutely following a TBI. Methods: Participants (n=33) sustained a moderate-to-severe TBI, were between 8 and 18 years old, and were assessed using CNS Vital Signs (CNSVS) within 6 months post-injury (median=0.6 month). Participants with TBI were matched to 33 healthy controls based on age, sex, and handedness to compare their cognitive functioning on the CNSVS battery. Results: Children and adolescents with moderate-to-severe TBI had significantly lower scores and large effect sizes on Reaction Time, Complex Attention, and Cognitive Flexibility domains, as well as medium effect sizes on two Visual Memory test scores and one Psychomotor Speed test score. A significantly higher percentage of participants with TBI had cognitive impairment on Reaction Time domain score compared to the control group. Finally, CNSVS domain scores correctly categorized 76% of participants as either group with TBI or control group. Conclusions: CNSVS may be a useful tool for screening cognitive abilities in children and adolescents who are early in their recovery from a moderate-to-severe TBI, particularly when a rapid screening evaluation can help guide management, interventions, and track recovery. (JINS, 2017, 23, 304–313)

Keywords

PediatricHead injuryNeuropsychologyValidityAssessmentComputer test
Type
Research Articles
Information
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society , Volume 23 , Issue 4 , April 2017 , pp. 304 - 313
Copyright
Copyright © The International Neuropsychological Society 2017 

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