Psychological sequelae of acquired brain Injury in children and adolescents and the usefulness of neuropsychological assessment
LIAMAKI G.

This papers aims to help child health professionals assess the significance of an acquired head injury to the presented problems after an episode of acquired head injury. Acquired head injury, regardless of its severity, can lead to significant changes in the child's neuropsychological functioning with significant consequences in all important areas of a child's life, like his/her educational attainments, his/her ability for independent living or his/her social interactions. The consequences of acquired head injury do not only have an impact on the child him/herself but also on the whole family. Apart from changes in the child's neuropsychological functioning, acquired head injury may also lead to emotional problems and behavioural problems. This paper discusses the usefulness of neuropsychological assessment and the necessity for long-term follow-up of children and adolescents with an acquired brain injury, regardless of its severity, by a child neurologist and a clinical neuropsychologist.

Key words: Αcquired head injury, children and adolescents, neuropsychological assessment.