The role of the primary care physician in maximizing cognitive and behavioral recovery from moderate to severe pediatric traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and the most common cause of acquired disability in children. Moderate to severe TBI typically results in cognitive deficits, and behavioral and psychosocial adjustment problems, sometimes compromising long term development. Although variable, considerable recovery can occur, especially over the first one to two years post-injury. Appropriate educational and psychological intervention is critical to positive outcome. The primary care physician (PCP) has a major role in monitoring progress and intervention, and therefore in maximizing outcome. The short term neurocognitive and neurobehavioral sequelae and recovery pattern for traumatic brain injury, and the role of the primary care physician in maximizing recovery based on risk factors are described. Some intervention resources are included.