PP06.3 – 3029: Tertiary paediatric major trauma centre cohort experience of neurocognitive symptoms post head injury

Objective The objective of this study was to identify the incidence of neurocognitive symptoms experienced post-TBI in children returning to school and to inform future improvements in the major trauma care pathway. Methods In April 2012 our hospital was designated as a major trauma centre receiving patients from across the region with major trauma including head injury. Since this time 169 paediatric trauma patients have been admitted, including 66 traumatic brain injuries (TBI). All paediatric TBI patients are offered a review at 6–8 weeks post discharge in the neurology nurse outpatient clinic. Results Data were collected on 58 patients (39 male) who were admitted during April 2012-June 2014 as major trauma with mild (n=27), moderate (n=19) and severe (n=11) TBI. Patients were aged 15 months–7 years (median age 9.5 years). Patients had a total length of stay of 1–224 days (median 5 days). 34 patients were admitted to PICU and 23 received neurosurgery. Patients Conclusion Neurocognitive symptoms are commonly present in early follow-up. Further assessment and longitudinal follow up is required to establish duration and severity of these cognitive symptoms. Neurocognitive testing at 6 months post TBI would also further define the nature of these difficulties and direct cognitive rehabilitation and school support.