Acquired Brain Injury - in children

The pediatric neuro-rehab team investigates, follows up on, and offers neurologically oriented rehabilitation to children and young people with acquired brain damage.

The team consists of many different professionals that are activated when needed. These professionals are important to cover the knowledge necessary for full rehabilitation. However, the most important people in rehabilitation are the child's next of kin, who know the child best.

Acute symptoms

Symptoms of acquiried brain injury can come either due to acute reasons, for example, after an acute injury or illness that has affected the brain.

Residual symptoms

The neuro-rehab team also meets children who have returned to everyday life after a brain injury, where there has not been an immediate need for neurological rehabilitation in the hospital immediately after the injury or illness. The patient has then recovered from or had minimal, visible neurological functional impairment. There may still be residual symptoms or difficulties that are invisible to the eye but nevertheless have a decisive impact on schooling, social life, and self-image. This can involve reduced attention or memory functions, slowness, fatigue, or other cognitive difficulties. In some cases, it is appropriate to conduct an investigation in the neuro-rehab team later to find evidence for training or adaptations in both school and home.

Acute rehabiltation

In the acute phase, rehabilitation starts already in the care unit as the patient becomes stabilized. Medical care is prioritized, but it is also important to begin gentle rehabilitation. Parents/guardians/close relatives are often in need of support both with crisis processing and with practical questions. At this stage, seeing a physician, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, nurse, and counselor is common.

Continuous rehabilitation

Active rehabilitation continues in rehabilitative care after discharge, and the child gets to meet other team professionals. Before rehabilitative care is completed, assessments of various functions are made to map current abilities and functions in order to determine if further efforts are needed. After discharge from rehabilitative care, the patient can, if necessary, continue the rehabilitation outside the hospital in a school-oriented rehabilitation unit. When required, the child is enrolled in the children's brain team within Habilitation and Health for follow-up, advice, and support.

Follow up

Follow-up can be relevant up to the age of 18. The team observes the development of functions and the need for support and measures through medical visits and assessments.