Long-Term Vocational Outcome at 15 Years from Severe Traumatic and Non-Traumatic Brain Injury in Pediatric Age

Background: Recent studies suggest that acquired brain injury with impaired consciousness in infancy is related to more severe and persistent effects and may have a cumulative effect on ongoing development. In this work, we aim to describe vocational outcome in a group of patients at 15 years from a severe brain lesion they suffered in developmental age. Methods: This study included a total of 147 patients aged 1.5 to 14 years with acquired brain lesion. Clinical and functional details (Glasgow Outcome Scale, Functional Independent Measure and Intelligence Quotient) were collected at the time of their first hospitalization and vocational outcome was determined after 15 years. Results: 94 patients (63.9%) presented with traumatic brain injury, while 53 patients (36.1%) presented with a brain lesion of other origin. Traumatic patients had a higher probability of being partly or fully productive than non-traumatic ones: 75.5% of traumatic subjects were working-taking into account limitations due to the traumatic event-versus 62.3% of non-traumatic ones. A relationship between some clinical variables and the vocational outcome was found. Conclusions: Rehabilitation should adequately emphasize vocational rehabilitation because a significant proportion of people experiencing a disorder of consciousness in childhood may show good social integration in adult age.

Automated summary

Recent studies show that acquired brain injury in infancy can have severe and persistent effects on development. This study examines the vocational outcomes of patients who suffered a severe brain lesion at a young age. The results suggest that traumatic brain injury patients have a higher likelihood of being productive compared to non-traumatic patients. Clinical variables were also found to be related to vocational outcomes.